Build Thick Abs In Bulking Phase

by sherif
(Los Angeles)

Question: Exercises to build thick abs in bulking phase... I never had thick abs at all before and quite recently, specifically speaking about 5-6 weeks ago, I was on a cutting phase doing HIIT cardio 3-4 days a week with abs 3-4 times a week with high reps to cut them up.

Now I'm 5 weeks into the bulking and have been doing heavy resistance for abs 2 times a week.

My exercises that I do for abs are hanging knee raises with 8 pound ball, incline sit ups with 25 pound weight across the chest, and finally abs machine crunches with almost the whole weight rack.

I do these 3 circuit style doing it 4 times after a 30 second break between each circuit. I do 16 reps per set for all 3 exercises and all 4 circuits.

Is this the right path to follow to obtain thick blocky abs in about 3-4 months time?

Answer: Looks pretty good.

You could even start your ab workouts heavy like you are currently doing, but then end your ab workout routine with crunches using no weight, just to burn that abs out a little bit more at the end of the workout.

But yes, definitely, heavy is the way to go. The abs will eventually respond and protrude.

Always use strict form.

Always make sure your abs are engaged.

Focus on the abdominals as you are performing the abdominal exercise.

Never use momentum or jerk your body to perform the repetition.

You may find this video helpful: Lean Hybrid Muscle. It'll put you on the right path and answer a lot of questions you may have.