Q & A

Benbaz

Right, I’ve got a couple of questions so I’ll try to keep it short.

1)I do a 3 day split routine. Day1 Biceps and Back, Day2 Triceps and Shoulders & Day3 Chest and Legs. Nothing too complicated there!! But over the last while as a result of an injury to both calves and shins (Shin Splints methinks, as queried in previous post) I’ve stopped doing the leg exercises, i.e. Squats, Extensions, Curls & Lunges. Instead what I’ve been doing is 25 mins on the exercise bike and about 1-2 K on the Rower. And I was wondering if I should go back to doing the leg work, or is what I’m doing on the bike and rower sufficient?? Note: I’m not looking to get Arnie type legs!!!!

2)When doing Ab Crunches should the movement be Fast or Slow??
What exercises can I be doing for lower Abs??

3)What is the story with the Back Support belt that some people wear in the Gym?? When should this be worn, i.e. is it the tool of big lifters, people with bad backs or is it just good practice to use it??

Off you go Jak and Logic!!!!

Cheers,

B.

tunney

Abs - I'd say slow controled movements sucking your stomach in.
Legs - Do the weights, cycling can only do so much
The belt - I've been told that if you play a field sport then don't use a belt as your muscles can get used to the added support of the belt and then when you are playing the sport -no belt, no support - you can do realy damage. Whether this is true or not I don't know but it makes sense.

Jak

1. Depends on what you want - Intensive cycling or running will more than look after your legs. If you train to assist a sport, then do as you think would be most beneficial for that sport. For example, personally I just rely on cycling and swimming for my legs, because with my only real sports as kitesurfing or diving outside of training at the moment, I find this lends itself best to helping in them. Plus I have a long term injury which won't let me squat anymore, so I have to rely on other ways to keep my legs ok.


2. Abs can be done both ways, often people will do a few quick, faster sets to get the burn going so to speak, then do your slow varied sets for upper, lower and obliques. That is what I tend to do, but when I say fast I mean only that I am not holding each one or really focusing on them - form should be kept controlled. The purpose of these 'fast' reps is to get blood into the area.

3. Some of the belts are an utter waste of time. That said, if you get a decent one, it should really only be used where necessary not as a fashion accessory. In other words, if you are doing a very heavy squat set or shrugs etc. a belt gives you added backup and allows you to rely more on the primary muscles as your lower back will be artificially braced/supported for the movement.

However on regular or lighter sets, using the belt is a poor idea as it will mean that your lower back does not develop as quickly or become accustomed to the weights.

JAK.

Benbaz

Cheers Jak.