Core holds Vs. Traditional Ab exercises

[CookiesN'Cream]

Hello guys i am just looking for some input on the different styles of ab exercises.

most people probably use things like Crunches, Bicycles, and leg raises ETC.. for working abs. but..

one of my good friends is a ex college football player and he swears by core holds for building up your abs. he has gained a decent amount of weight from his football days but even with a belly the definition of his abs are very visible.
are core holds superior like he claims or do his genetics play the main role in this?

im interested in building pure abdominal mass in my abs and would like some hints and exercises that you guys have used to gain abdominal muscle with.

[bcbrett]

what is a core hold? Are you referring to a plank? I personally use a variety for ab exercises. some with weights some just body resistance. I keep switching it up.

[CookiesN'Cream]

yes planks are what i am referring too