strengthening the abdominal and iliopsoas muscles

[Maxim]

Hi everybody!
I read in one of Mr. Kurz's columns that abdominal exercises should be done in high numbers, since they need to stabilize the trunk non stop and thus need endurance. I also think it is said on the stretching DVD

I wonder wether this rule is for martial artists only, because I enjoy olympic style weightlifting and am somewhat confused about how to train the abdominals and hipflexors.
I read in one of mel siff's books that weightlifters need not to do any specific abdominal exercise at all, since they are taxed enough through the oly lifts and their assistance exercises. He also says that the role of the abdominals in this sport is static, so dynamic exercises like crunches are of not much use and potentially counter productive. He stresses that if specific exercises are done that they should be done in low reps with high intensity.

What do you people think of this?

Maxime

[Thomas Kurz]

Hi everybody!
I read in one of Mr. Kurz's columns that abdominal exercises should be done in high numbers, since they need to stabilize the trunk non stop and thus need endurance. I also think it is said on the stretching DVD

I wonder wether this rule is for martial artists only, because I enjoy olympic style weightlifting and am somewhat confused about how to train the abdominals and hipflexors.

This rule is not for weightlifiters. This type of endurance is needed in martial arts and in similar sports.

I read in one of mel siff's books that weightlifters need not to do any specific abdominal exercise at all, since they are taxed enough through the oly lifts and their assistance exercises. He also says that the role of the abdominals in this sport is static, so dynamic exercises like crunches are of not much use and potentially counter productive. He stresses that if specific exercises are done that they should be done in low reps with high intensity.

What do you people think of this?

I'm inclined to agree. But do not make it an iron rule.

[Maxim]

Thanks you for your quick answer.

[mmeloon]

I read in one of mel siff's books that weightlifters need not to do any specific abdominal exercise at all, since they are taxed enough through the oly lifts and their assistance exercises. He also says that the role of the abdominals in this sport is static, so dynamic exercises like crunches are of not much use and potentially counter productive. He stresses that if specific exercises are done that they should be done in low reps with high intensity.

What do you people think of this?

I'm inclined to agree. But do not make it an iron rule.

Mr. Kurz, I'm a little surprised by your answer. I would have thought the the explosive movements done in Olympic lifting (e.g., clean and jerk) would require a strong midsection to handle the stresses. Is this not the case or is it just that normal training in the lifts will provide any necessary abdominal training?

-Mark

[Maxim]

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/siff1.htm
this is siff's view on it.

I think Mr kurz agrees that a strong midsection is required, but that the function is static as opposed to the dynamic action in crunches and sit ups. So tprobably the best option is heavy barbell squats and overhead squats.

[Thomas Kurz]

Mr. Kurz, I'm a little surprised by your answer. I would have thought the the explosive movements done in Olympic lifting (e.g., clean and jerk) would require a strong midsection to handle the stresses. Is this not the case or is it just that normal training in the lifts will provide any necessary abdominal training?
-Mark

Yes, weightlifters need strong midsection. But they do not need the magnitude of strength-endurance that boxers, kick boxers, judoka, or wrestlers need. Weightlifters do not rain punches on a heavy bag for three minutes, or on an opponent who punches back. Weightlifters also do not do series of fit-ins or wrestling dummy throws for speed or endurance. Weightlifters, if trained well, do a variety of bodyweight exercises, of which some isolate abdomen muscles and hip flexors. It would be a crazy idea to begin strengthening or do off-season strengthening of the abdomen and hip flexors with standard lifts and with weightlifters' sport-specific lead-up exercises only. That is why I wrote “But do not make it an iron rule.”

It is easy to tell a fighter who is not doing hundreds of sit-ups or crunches systematically. Such fighters lean forward and put their arms on their knees during breaks. This helps them breathe when their intercostal muscles are tired and their helpers (muscles of the neck, chest, and abdomen) do not have enough stamina to compensate while working in the normal upright position.

Different functional demands require either a different form of an exercise or a different intensity zone (energy source), or both.

[Maxim]

Different functional demands require either a different form of an exercise or a different intensity zone (energy source), or both.

I assume you cover this in 'science of sports training'?(I might have to get it if I can order with cash )

[Thomas Kurz]

Principles of selecting exercises, yes. Functional anatomy, no.