Types of abs that are formed....is it genetic?

[Calibucsfan]

So below I'm going to post two links to two bodybuilders I follow on IG. They have the phesiques that I would like to have next summer. I know abs is all in the kitchen, so this thread is not for that but instead asking how they are formed.

So here is dude 1:
Instagram (hit play, ignore vid attempt at being funny)

Here is dude 2:
@gerardo__gabriel - Stop saying "I wish"..Start Saying "I... - EnjoyGram


So obviously they both have low body fat. I want abs of the second guy, they are so huge that it looks like you can grade a block of cheese on them. But the magic question is, how does he have much bigger abs? Is it just purely genetics or is that just different workouts that each guys is doing?

Like for example, if its NOT genetics then I would assume that dude #1 does mainly high rep old school crunch and plank workouts with little resistance weight training and dude #2 does a lot more resistance with weights training.

What do you guys think? BTW can anyone guess their bf I would like to know but I suck at spotting bf

 

[mr_ectomorph]

How abs look, is mainly genetic. However, abs are a muscle, and they can grow and become bigger. But if fat is covering them, you will simply never see them.
Squats and deadlifts are core exercises, they are more than enough for my abs. But it never hurts to do some crunches and leg raises

 

[Chicago712]

Of course it's genetic..

 

[cybrsage]

The shape, layout, and style of abs is genetic, diet and exercise will effect how much of them can be seen when you remove your shirt.

 

[3J]

yup.. some people have funky looking abs.. but i dont think women mind lol

 

[Calibucsfan]

So basically if you have low bf, the types of actual ab workouts you do will not change the way your abs look?


Like for example you can work out abs 3 times a week doing mainly high rep crunch style workouts with minor weight. Or you can do resitance training by using the ab machines in the gym with weights but either or the outcome of the abs will still be the same?

 

[Mrrippedzilla]

So basically if you have low bf, the types of actual ab workouts you do will not change the way your abs look?


Like for example you can work out abs 3 times a week doing mainly high rep crunch style workouts with minor weight. Or you can do resitance training by using the ab machines in the gym with weights but either or the outcome of the abs will still be the same?

In terms of their shape/look - yes.
The only way to change this is cosmetic surgery.

 

[Teutonic]

I ab s rarely.. I do not want them bigger and I train w o a belt and have a good sex life. Ab s are made in the kitchen, aerobics and yes genetics.

 

[3J]

people forget that deadlifts and squats do abs... lol

 

[Calibucsfan]

people forget that deadlifts and squats do abs... lol

Would you go as far as saying that if you have low body fat and you don't do any ab workouts(that mainly target them), but you go hard every week on squat and deadlift that you would have shredded abs still?

 

[3J]

Would you go as far as saying that if you have low body fat and you don't do any ab workouts(that mainly target them), but you go hard every week on squat and deadlift that you would have shredded abs still?

if you had low bodyfat you'd have shredded abs anyways.. if you want to pronounce those abs more you do ab work.. squats and deadlifts work abs secondarily...

 

[China_Wall]

Would you go as far as saying that if you have low body fat and you don't do any ab workouts(that mainly target them), but you go hard every week on squat and deadlift that you would have shredded abs still?

yes...

most people would be surprised how little the pros/high level competitors train abs... almost never, except for a few sets here and there (or for when they are doing a video lol)

 

[Calibucsfan]

So dudes at the gym that I always see doing a couple hundred reps of some ab workout are basically wasting their time

 

[Mrrippedzilla]

So dudes at the gym that I always see doing a couple hundred reps of some ab workout are basically wasting their time

LOL those are the guys that think crunches get you a six pack, of course we know abs are made in the kitchen.

I've had clients who've developed lower back problems because of this type of training: high rep ab work everyday with no lower back work at all.
Stuart McGill, an expert on this topic, also explains how much trouble you'll be in down the road if you continue to train like this - avoid it at all costs.

You should treat abs like any other bodypart - 2/3 exercises, 3/4 sets, 8/15 reps - done.

 

[3J]

i agree with rip.. if youre going to do ab specific exercises it should be done as heavier sets

 

[Teutonic]

not wasting time they are training ie burning cals..when people ask what I do for my abs I say train them 2-3 a week..3 sets crunches x50..leg lifts x 3 x 30...so they go away.

 

[Krazydiamond]

Pretty much the only reason I hit abs anymore is for stability of my midsection. All about the diet if you want to show them off. Do wish I could train me up one of those 8-packs tho

 

[Want2lift]

Heavy Squats and deads are the best way to train abs. Then try doing a few dragon flags afterwards. Fucking killer. But as said above, ab shape is mostly genetic.

 

[MBB]

A good way to help avoid developing imbalances is to make sure that you train both sides of your core at around a 1:1 ratio, so if your going to do a certain number of crunches make sure you do the same number of back extensions, etc.

I personally prefer to train the more neglected areas of the core like the glute med and TVA, I find that much more beneficial and my rectus abdominus gets enough indirect/direct work from stabilizing other exercises and martial arts.

 

[Calibucsfan]

Forgot to ask, obliques....what trains those? And is low body fat enough for those or do you need to do workouts that isolate them to show them off?