crunshes with weight

[bcmedic]

I seen a guy at the gym the other day doing crunches holding a 45lb weight behind his head. Just wondering if anybody does this and if so, do you find that it increases the intensity of the crunches by adding the weight? I am new to bodybuilding and trying to learn what works and what doesn't work.

Thx.

[warlock]

I am 190 and I hold a 85 dumpling n my chest while doing full ROM crunches on a BOSu or stability ball

[Scaffer]

Adding weight is more beneficial than doing longer sets.
Start by getting used to the bosu ball and when you got that down,start adding weight.

[bcmedic]

Adding weight is more beneficial than doing longer sets.
Start by getting used to the bosu ball and when you got that down,start adding weight.

Thx or the reply guys. Sorry, being new and all I do not know what a bosu ball is? I know, New guys eh:help

[bcmedic]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but would it not be more beneficial to place the weight on your chest rather then behind the head? My thinking is by adding the weight in front you would be adding more resistance, as to behind the head, it would be of an arm and shoulder work out due to having to hold the weight while performing the crunch?

[O-Train]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but would it not be more beneficial to place the weight on your chest rather then behind the head? My thinking is by adding the weight in front you would be adding more resistance, as to behind the head, it would be of an arm and shoulder work out due to having to hold the weight while performing the crunch?

Don't hold the weight behind your head.

[bcmedic]

Ya, I am thinking I am going to stick to doing Hanging leg raises, decline crunches, and leg raises. Seems to be working. So why try to fix something that is no BROKEN!

Thanks for the advice everyone!

[agingtechie]

i remember talking to Bill Pearl on the phone about Ab training. He said work up to higher reps than weight.Depends on zour body type. I think Cable crunches are ok with hanging knee raises. I like to just use bodyweight and use supersets..crunches and leg raises untill it burns. watch your neck if you hold a weight behind zour head!!!

Bill Pearl. Wow! That is a cool guy to get advice from.

I started off with rope crunches and weighted leg raises back in October. what kind of reps are best before moving on to more weight? I was doing sets of 8-12. Should I be looking at 15-20 or so? (or more?)

[#8]

i have always been told that higher reps are what builds up your abs. your body weight should be more than enough resistance for most lifters trying to get their abs to show.

try doing more balancing exercises like a plank, or one arm/leg planks for really long holds of over 2 min. these will really bring out lines in your abs if you are lean enough. crunches are good as a finishing move but should be done last IMO.