Shapely Abs - 6 pack and still bike lots
 

Ok this is a debate we had here, like a low down on this

Is it possible to be able to train for cycling events. By a cyclist and do long distance still and get shapely looking abs.

now abs will be a result of gym workout and diet as well, not just cycling.

But question is would cycling compromise getting shapely 6 pack abs. This is something debated or got into a silly conversation with a dedicated gym rat

so ideas and thoughts on this one please

It is good to include core work in your exercise routine. A strong core will increase your comfort on the bicycle. And cycling will do next to nothing to help you build strong abs.

Not a problem at all. Good abs are more a function of lack of fat than anything else.

Abs are made in the kitchen.

According to the Core Advantage book, cyclists (I think they're talking especially about road cyclists) shouldn't do crunches because their abs tend to overpower other core muscles. It's due to the abs being engaged constantly to maintain a bent-over riding position. Based on that, being a cyclist probably does help develop strong abs....

Nope, there isn't any reason cycling would compromise having good abs. Might even make the process easier by allowing you to eat more food and still drop weight, which is the real key to having abs. If you're not in that 10% or lower BF range...abs pretty much aren't happening no matter what you do in the gym.

I'm guessing the gym rats argument has something to do with endurance exercise being catabolic to building muscle. Which has a kernel of truth to it, but more in the sense that if you are training heavily for endurance athletics your ability to gain in the gym won't be as good as if you were avoiding aerobic exercise, but it's still possible to make perfectly reasonable muscle gains while training hard for endurance sports.

what! ...i don't believe it... where are all the narcissists pics? you've been caught napping. :lol:

what an opportunity missed for posting a selfie and pretending that you were just innocently contributing to an important thread.

This is correct. Or rather abs are made by staying out of the kitchen.

A visible 6 pack doesn't mean the person has a strong core. Lot's of people get 6 packs more as a fashion statement then for functional purpose. They look hardcore but they not...Then there are those who don't have a perfectly visible 6 pack but their abs are as hard as steel...If you want to have a strong core/abs then you need to spend time and dedicate yourself to training your abs.

let me guess... :)

Visible abs occur naturally to anyone, once body fat is low enough. As you drop body fat, your body will decide what fat on the body to drop next. Belly fat is one of the last places to go as evolutionary for man, the belly was a good spot to store fat and still be able to hunt.

I wasn't expecting the Lyle McDonald quote! Good stuff. :thumb: