Dumb question on specific part workouts

[Miguel Alvarez]

Forgive me for asking what is probably a really easily answered question but I can't seem to find a common sense answer.

If I was to do nothing but bicep curls for a period of gym work outs I'd likely see some immediate results in having bigger guns and less flab in said area.

Now if I was to apply the same practisce to the mid section the results are likey to be minimal.

Now I know if I was to do zillions of sit ups a day then chances are I'd see some pretty good results but for a bit of a random thought and ignoring diet and cardio etc why can I spot work out on certain areas of my body and look like Arnie but when it comes to the abs I look like Peter Kay?

[Hoofy]

You can't/aren't spot reduce(ing). It's just the skin in the bicep area is thinner ie less subcutaneous fat so the relative expansion will be more noticeable.

And if you did a "zillion" crunches, you'd be doing cardio which would burn fat everywhere.

Edited by Hoofy on Thursday 13th December 16:23

[Miguel Alvarez]

Makes sense. Cheers

[rog007]

You'd be better off training the triceps however if you wanted to increase the size of your arms as the triceps has roughly twice the mass potential than the relatively small bicep. Additionally, if you train abs to the point of developing the muscle, you will actually increase your girth, which is usually not desirable. Abs get a good workout from a number of other exercises (such as tricep push downs). Diet and light abs training is the best route for greatest impact for mere mortals. Good luck!

[Hoofy]

rog007 said:

if you train abs to the point of developing the muscle, you will actually increase your girth

Yep! You'll just push out the fat sitting on your ab area. It's fine if there's no fat there but otherwise not cool.

[didelydoo]

Huge abs rock! You have to to quite a lot of work before you worry about increasing your girth.

[mcelliott]

rog007 said:

You'd be better off training the triceps

Wot he said.

[Miguel Alvarez]

It was just one of those random thoughts that pop into my head. I'm under no illusion that I won't reduce the mid area by ab work alone.

[Hoofy]

Miguel Alvarez said:

It was just one of those random thoughts that pop into my head. I'm under no illusion that I won't reduce the mid area by ab work alone.

I guess it's useful to ask - helps you to understand what's what.

People still think you can spot-reduce. I have two videos on YT. One is on tricep dips, the other on general fat burning. Guess which one gets more views?

[Miguel Alvarez]

This is the thing. There are a few people at the local gym who look the part but are weak as piss can't lift anything have terrible form when they are lifting and strut around like they're Barry Big Potatoes. Diet aside which I know is my weak point I do like to know the right way of approaching something as opposed to the ones who luck out yet seem to think they're an authority.

[Hoofy]

Miguel Alvarez said:

This is the thing. There are a few people at the local gym who look the part but are weak as piss can't lift anything have terrible form when they are lifting and strut around like they're Barry Big Potatoes. Diet aside which I know is my weak point I do like to know the right way of approaching something as opposed to the ones who luck out yet seem to think they're an authority.

Terrible form aside, I wouldn't mind having a decent physique. I'm more than strong enough for the activities I do (climbing, martial arts) thanks to lifting (I was strong enough before I started). I am only lifting and dieting to improve my physique. Sorry.

I guess thanks to dieting I'm lighter so climbing will be slightly easier due to increased strength and being lighter!