Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

So, just recently within the last couple of weeks or so, I've made it back into the gym, I've been going every other day. I have discovered a new found love of running and cardio in general. I've also began lifting, but my main question is what are the best exercises for abs/core? All suggestions are welcome and will be considered. I know it's a bit of a cliche question, but I would love to know, haha.

I am a runner myself, love core workouts.
Here you can find some exercises for core:
http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0, ... -0,00.html

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I would never settle for anything less than I could be - Tony Robbins

Thanks for the link, I will start trying some of those out, have you done any of them? If so, what were the results like? And, somewhat off subject, have you ever done a marathon, or half-marathon, because I am considering doing one and I have no idea what to expect. I would obviously have to train more before I could do so, but out of curiosity.

Hello veglaxer,

I've been running for 17 years and weight training for 14 years. I get good results for both - of the last five races I have entered I have placed 2nd in foour of them. I win a few too and nearly always place top 3/5/10. I race from 5K up to half marathon. I might have a place for the London marathon next year.

I've got excellent abs even if I do say so myself. Just vary the ab exercises you do would be my main advance and stick to those exercises you can really feel whilst you are doing them and for days afterwards...

What did you want to know about half and full marathons? Obviously they hurt more and take longer than shorter runs and races, and you have to treat the distances with respect by training for them properly.

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Davey's favourite tipple was "Blow My Skull", a cocktail he served in half-pint glasses consisting of rum, brandy, gin, port, Madeira, sherry and claret.

Congrats on London, I have never run in a race before so I'm just not sure what to expect, I've been bumping my miles up, I have always been active but just recently got into runing as a sport by itsself. I figured I'd start with a 5k and work my way from there. Are there any particular ab routines or specific exercises that you find give the best results?

I've done many of them and few others. They improved my core strength a lot and gave me definition on my upper body. btw before I found out what are Core muscles I could never strengthen that area properly. In my opinion Abs workout is pretty much useless without Core muscles workout.
I've been doing 10k races so far. If not that long injury I had I'd def do longer runs.
Few tips for new runners:
-Let your muscles to get used to the pressure of running. For a beginner even 5k that's a lot when you run couple times a week every week.
- Core and especially legs strength are important(work your Core, Hamstrings...). I know that some amateur marathon runners never bother strengthening legs. I think that's a mistake and may raise the risk for an injury.
- The secret for Core muscles is to change the exercises as you get stronger. Myself I started with the basic exercise and when they become easy you just try more advanced stuff. (the link I gave you gives you a good idea)
Also you can just look on youtube for more Core exercises.

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I would never settle for anything less than I could be - Tony Robbins

Thanks for the tips, they helped. Today is my "off-day" from the gym, so I will take a look at those exercises and I totally agree that runners should strengthen their legs rather than ignore them for strenth training.

Well people just don't understand that distance running doesn't really strengthen your legs enough. Just look at the difference between runners that have strong legs and runners that don't. Those with strong legs look much lighter and actually raise their legs much higher and faster( in overall have much better technique). I've learned the hard way how important is hamstring strength.

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I would never settle for anything less than I could be - Tony Robbins

I usually do wall squats while brushing my teeth, it's simple to do and it's generally the same length of time, it's helped a bit, but I think I'm going to start with weights. My quads and hamstrings are in alright condition, I've always done sports so I've always been runnig for some reason or another, but I really want to develop them some more.