Stomach distension can be the difference between an awesome physique and a lean looking fat guy. So I’m curious, what causes it? What sort of preventative or corrective measures can be taken? It’s a malady that seems to plague the heavy class bodybuilders of today, whilst for the pro’s of the 80’s and 90’s it didn’t seem to be so much of a problem. I’ve speculated and have come up with a list of potential causes, and would like to begin a discussion or hear from people with experience on the subject:
*Being a fat ass (obviously)
*Drug use. I would actually discount the use of most AAS as a contributor, if only because the steroids used by the bodybuilders of today and yesteryear are essentially the same. Some claim insulin, which is relatively near along with other peptides, is a big contributor, although I would speculate that the visceral growth associated with long term HGH use, which is more available today than before, would be more accurate.
*Visceral fat accumulation, perhaps by excessive alcohol intake. AKA beer gut.
*Poor posture. Excessive lordosis or a anterior pelvic tilt could potentially result in a permanently stretched rectus abdominus, but I think the key muscle to consider may actually be the transverse abdominus.
*Training style. I know that many people that employ a power lifting style technique to move big weights, especially on the squat and deadlift, which calls for a big belly breath while pushing out on the abdominals for maximum core stability. This is undoubtedly effective and also what I’ve employed to power my big squats and deadlifts, which I do frequently. However I propose that this may actually contribute to a stretching of the abdominal walls due to the big time intra-abdominal pressure it creates. I never ever use a lifting belt, but I am seriously considering using it from here on out just because it wont allow for that big stretch on the abdominals while providing support. I really dont wanna stop max effort squats.
*Food allergies or gluten intolerance. I imagine any kind of chronic bloating, gas, or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can cause enough swelling to push out against the abdominals and cause permanent disfigurement.
*Food volume. This particular applies to the big mass monsters of today bodybuilding scene who routinely clear 250lbs, whereas in the 80’s and 90’s 240 was considered enormous, and people regularly competed successfully around the low 200’s or upper 100’s. The sheer amount of solid food that must be consumed by those seeking to maintain 250+ lbs must be staggering, and stressful as all hell on the gastrointestinal tract. The amount of solid waste that must be present within the intestines must also be staggering, all of which perhaps considering to a post thanksgiving gut bulge.
For me the motivation behind seeking a discussion is the occasional peek glance at my profile in the mirror in which my belly sticks out slightly, particularly when walking. I think the major contributor for myself is simply an anterior pelvic tilt I just cant seem to get rid of, but as I mentioned I often squat real big, pyramiding up to a heavy single, followed by repping with something slightly below for several sets, and never accompanied by a belt. I’ve never used HGH, not out of any moral issue simply because it is far too expensive for me, so that isn’t much of a contributor, and outside of the nightly glass of red as a nightcap, I’m not a heavy drinker either. I want to find a way to alleviate any symptoms of this to keep a tight midsection to match my 28’ waist. I may just resort to doing stomach vacuums on the daily, they are pretty much kegals for the abs, although I wish you could make them more challenging. I remember seeing an exercise mr. meadows proposed that involved a vacuum and stretching with a heavy lat pulldown bar but I couldnt seem to get that to work.