Has anyone ever gotten a completely flat stomach or abs?
Aw0627
Posts: 82 Member
It seems very impossible to me, I've lost about 50 pounds and I want to lose about 25 more, and honestly I'd be okay with the weight I am now if my stomach was completely flat, but it seems like I'm losing weight ever where except my stomach. I've done all types of sit up, crunches, V ups, you name it I've probably done it. Maybe once I drop the extra 25 pounds it will miraculously disappear? Has any ever managed to get a completely flat stomach or abs with out surgery or any thing, I'm really wondering if any have ladies, because I presume it's much easier for guys.
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Replies
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Nope ... and I never will.
A surgery when I was in my early 20s made sure of that!1 -
@Aisha0627
Welcome to MFP
I found this thread that maybe of help
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1161603/so-you-want-a-nice-stomach/p1
I have using MFP for 5 years. I am on Maintenance and I lost 19 pounds. My belly is smaller than it used to be. My friends and family tell me I have a flat stomach. I still see some flab but I am more focused on just being healthy and strong. I lift weights and I take boxing drills class.
Good luck in your healthy jouney5 -
My stomach was the absolute last place I lost weight.
UNFORTUNATELY... I do not have a flat stomach, if only for the fact I am covered in loose skin. It is extremely hard to gauge my weight without me stepping on a scale due to the amount of extra skin on me... xD; And that plus thighs were definitely where I held my weight [arms look fabulous].
I've lost a lil over 100lbs. The extra skin IS slowly going away on its own [tummy looks alllllmost flat, it does completely if I put on shapewear].
Know what? Still worth it. #Slay26 -
When I was at my lowest weight my stomach was pretty flat, no muscle definition though apart from the top 2.
25lbs is still a fair bit of weight, your stomach will definitely look different after you lose it!4 -
Some people just don't lose their tummy until the last few pounds.
I still have 20-30 to go and whilst there is definitely fat on my stomach it's well distributed and so looks reasonably flat, it's all just the luck of the genetics draw. Mine will be coming off my legs last!
And whilst crunches etc have some uses for strengthening the core, they won't cause a spot reduction and only focusing on the crunch aspect could actually lead to imbalances (the back must also be worked) so don't stress too much about that.2 -
I wrote the post that was linked above. If you still have 25 pounds to lose there's nothing else you can really do besides lose the fat. A full body lifting program will do a lot more for your abs than a bunch of isolation exercises. I went from 265 pounds to having abs, it took a few years of work and you're simply not going to have abs until your body fat is lower.19
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I don't have muscle definition but my tummy is completely flat in the morning before breakfast. It will vary then some days depending on what I eat, but mornings when I get up its flat. I weight between 120 and 125 pounds with body fat aprox 23%.0
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Yep, but I had to get my bmi in the 21-22 range before it happened.0
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We don't get to pick where we lose weight from, it's mostly genetics where it's carried. One of the general rules is "first in last out" basically whenever you store your fat in the beginning, is going to be the last place you lose it.
Men usually have that around the belly/torso, whereas for women it's hips and legs.
25 pounds can make a LOT of difference in how you look. Keep up the good work and you'll get there eventually.
Unfortunately there's no such thing as spot training, so all the ab work in the world isn't going to help flatten your tummy.4 -
It seems very impossible to me, I've lost about 50 pounds and I want to lose about 25 more, and honestly I'd be okay with the weight I am now if my stomach was completely flat, but it seems like I'm losing weight ever where except my stomach. I've done all types of sit up, crunches, V ups, you name it I've probably done it. Maybe once I drop the extra 25 pounds it will miraculously disappear? Has any ever managed to get a completely flat stomach or abs with out surgery or any thing, I'm really wondering if any have ladies, because I presume it's much easier for guys.
all the core exercises in the world wont make it flat. it can strengthen your core and make the muscles underneath stronger but it wont get rid of the fat as you cant spot reduce fat. it comes off where it wants when it wants.Ive been at it 4 years and still my stomach is not completely flat, its getting there but I still have a ways to go.I weight lift as well,genetics plays a part too,if you drop the weight you may see a big difference but that still does not guarantee a flat stomach. not everyone will have a flat stomach no matter what they do(except for surgery) sometimes its the muscles underneath or even bad posture that can make it look less flat. just make sure that if you lose the 25(should you decide to go that route) make sure you are still in a healthy weight range for your height and age.2 -
I'm quite young, I'm 19, so I don't know if it's the same, but yes, I've had a completely flat stomach for most of my life. I carry most of my weight in my thighs and butt (bottom heavy) but my stomachs has always been quite flat. It was probably flattest at my LW of 115lbs (5'5) and even now at my high weight, it's quite flat but then again, I'm not super "big" or anything.
But anyway, I think it's quite easy to get a flat stomach. Ever heard the saying "abs are made in the kitchen". Well, they are, so I think firstly, you need to make sure you are eating 90% of clean, nutritious food. Exercise also helps a lot. It's quite hard to spot reduce but cardio (probably HIIT), is good to burn fat in general. Lemon water (or lemon tea) is good for banishing that belly bloat. Also fruits, for fibre to get your digestive system moving, to help you pass stools & flatten your tummy. I think one of the main ones is making sure you are at a healthy weight (BMI 18.5-25) before any of this happens. If you are 200lbs, I doubt you will get a flat stomach about you slim down. It's just science.
Good luck ❤️.1 -
Flat tummy and a 4 pack is the best i've done.0
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My stomach is fairly flat now. I do not do specific ab work as my strength training regime works my abs every time I do my strength training..
My genetics and my age have determined if I will ever get 6 pack abs.. I would say I am hovering between 2 pack and 4 pack..even if I were to get leaner (which I am not) body fat% wise I still will not have great defined abs.1 -
I never had perfectly flat stomach (aka no fat whatsoever except abs) until I started adding ab exercises to my routine. At the same weight I went from having a bit of stuff I could grab to nothing.0
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YES. But it's not going to happen if you still have 25 lbs to go. I had/have an apple shape and started at 152 lbs and a large roll of belly fat. Now at 115 lbs, my stomach is flat. I have the 2 lines on the sides but no ab definition. I'd have to lose even more fat to reveal proper ab definition. I don't do ab exercises or weights. I just do cardio(hiking, cycling etc).1
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heres a good link here. very informative-http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1161603/so-you-want-a-nice-stomach/p10
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Traveler120 wrote: »YES. But it's not going to happen if you still have 25 lbs to go. I had/have an apple shape and started at 152 lbs and a large roll of belly fat. Now at 115 lbs, my stomach is flat. I have the 2 lines on the sides but no ab definition. I'd have to lose even more fat to reveal proper ab definition. I don't do ab exercises or weights. I just do cardio(hiking, cycling etc).
We sound very similar. I am also an apple shape and I started at 149. I am 115.8 as of this morning. I do have a flat stomach and I have the outline of abs though they aren't very defined. I do not do targeted ab workouts, but I do lift heavy and I am an aerialist which means my core gets a lot of work.
OP, you will have to get your body fat down pretty low (if you carry your weight in your tummy like I do). If you are carrying 25 extra pounds, you've still got a ways to go.
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Pear shaped women often have flat stomachs even at higher weights. My friend weighs 190 pounds she's pear shaped, carries most fat in here thighs and butt.
I weigh 136 pounds and am apple shaped. I gain all of my fat in my stomach. My friends stomach is flatter than mine. I problably wont ever have a six pack because I dont plan to get down to 110-115 pounds to have it. If you care enough to have you have to work for it or pay for it.1 -
ummijaaz560 wrote: »Pear shaped women often have flat stomachs even at higher weights. My friend weighs 190 pounds she's pear shaped, carries most fat in here thighs and butt.
I weigh 136 pounds and am apple shaped. I gain all of my fat in my stomach. My friends stomach is flatter than mine. I problably wont ever have a six pack because I dont plan to get down to 110-115 pounds to have it. If you care enough to have you have to work for it or pay for it.
well Im pear shaped and no flat stomach here. it has went down a lot but its still not flat,I have been at it 4 years. not everyone will have a flat stomach though,. it all depends on many factors. sure you can work hard at getting one. but bad posture can make it look like you dont have one,weak stomach/core muscles,being pregnant can stretch out muscles therefore can result in no flat tummy unless you get surgery,genetics,even fibroids can make it look like you are pregnant or have a belly.
I have always has a little bit of a pooch as they call it even as a preteen/teen. I was highly active and not overweight back then.it also depends on how your body is made,same with a thigh gap(disclaimer-do not try to get one if you dont have one) some women will have one naturally and others wont no matter what they do.Im not saying not to try to get a flat stomach,Im just saying that even with years of hard work for some it may not happen.2 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »ummijaaz560 wrote: »Pear shaped women often have flat stomachs even at higher weights. My friend weighs 190 pounds she's pear shaped, carries most fat in here thighs and butt.
I weigh 136 pounds and am apple shaped. I gain all of my fat in my stomach. My friends stomach is flatter than mine. I problably wont ever have a six pack because I dont plan to get down to 110-115 pounds to have it. If you care enough to have you have to work for it or pay for it.
well Im pear shaped and no flat stomach here. it has went down a lot but its still not flat,I have been at it 4 years. not everyone will have a flat stomach though,. it all depends on many factors. sure you can work hard at getting one. but bad posture can make it look like you dont have one,weak stomach/core muscles,being pregnant can stretch out muscles therefore can result in no flat tummy unless you get surgery,genetics,even fibroids can make it look like you are pregnant or have a belly.
I have always has a little bit of a pooch as they call it even as a preteen/teen. I was highly active and not overweight back then.it also depends on how your body is made,same with a thigh gap(disclaimer-do not try to get one if you dont have one) some women will have one naturally and others wont no matter what they do.Im not saying not to try to get a flat stomach,Im just saying that even with years of hard work for some it may not happen.
Yeah I agree, thats why I said pear shape women "often" have flat stomachs. I have fibroids and have had two kids. So even with years of hard work I would have to pay for abs (lipo) to get them. I think genetics is underrated by a lot of people.1 -
I agree with ummijaaz560. I gain weight in my thighs and backside but have always had a flat stomach, regardless of any weight gain. I am 42 and actually have kept defined upper abs that I developed in my early 20s when I used to do knee lifts using the hanging ab straps in the gym and really have not done a focused ab workout since; hard to explain but I have kept a strong core. A few years ago I was really into hula hooping and could go for hours (with a heavy duty weighted hoop, not a child's hoop) and it really strengthened my core in a short amount of time so perhaps that is a fun workout to incorporate that creates some serious muscle. On a positive note, I don't really agree with those who have said you can't spot reduce though you do need to work the entire muscle system. I transformed my "kitten" doing focused backside work (Brazil Buttlift DVD workout) however one apparently needs to keep up on it as here I am again working to pass the "pencil test".0
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Ahh, the flat stomach... it's a volatile thing. I had it at BMI 19-20, lost it after I gained merely 5lb and reached BMI 21. It was still technically flat, but i start to see a little pooch in my lower abs. I was surprised about that because I generally have a pretty strong core and defined abs.1
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I agree with ummijaaz560. I gain weight in my thighs and backside but have always had a flat stomach, regardless of any weight gain. I am 42 and actually have kept defined upper abs that I developed in my early 20s when I used to do knee lifts using the hanging ab straps in the gym and really have not done a focused ab workout since; hard to explain but I have kept a strong core. A few years ago I was really into hula hooping and could go for hours (with a heavy duty weighted hoop, not a child's hoop) and it really strengthened my core in a short amount of time so perhaps that is a fun workout to incorporate that creates some serious muscle. On a positive note, I don't really agree with those who have said you can't spot reduce though you do need to work the entire muscle system. I transformed my "kitten" doing focused backside work (Brazil Buttlift DVD workout) however one apparently needs to keep up on it as here I am again working to pass the "pencil test".
you cant spot reduce fat,it comes off where it wants when it wants thats why its said that you cant spot reduce. sure you can work your core and focus on that area,but all the exercise in the world isnt going to work if you dont lose the fat over your abs to see the muscle.and for that a deficit is needed,sure some may be able to lose some fat in a recomp. but for the most part its deficit that helps you to lose fat which is why a lot of bodybuilders and weight lifters do bulk and cut cycles.2 -
you cant spot reduce fat,it comes off where it wants when it wants thats why its said that you cant spot reduce. sure you can work your core and focus on that area,but all the exercise in the world isnt going to work if you dont lose the fat over your abs to see the muscle.and for that a deficit is needed,sure some may be able to lose some fat in a recomp. but for the most part its deficit that helps you to lose fat which is why a lot of bodybuilders and weight lifters do bulk and cut cycles.[/quote]
Requiring a deficit and losing fat is a given, that is why people are using MFP. You and I have been around on this before and again, you don't seem to place value in anyone's experience.0 -
First, you have Abs. If you can't see them, it's because you have too much fat to see them. [note this is NOT a bad thing.] Abs/flat stomach come from very low % of body fat. If you google "percentage of body fat to see abs site:builtlean.com" It should bring up a picture example of men and women and the % of body fat you need to see the abs. DO NOTE that the lowest % shown may not be in a sustainable [healthy] range. The lowest ranges are competition [bodybuilders and fitness models] or magazine spread weight. The person will regain a higher % after the show/shoot to maintain their health.
As we say, Abs are made in the kitchen. They are formed in the gym where you build them but if you want to see them or have a flat stomach, you have to lose the bodyfat.
Also note they show up to 50% body fat for women and up to 40% for men on that page. Yep. That is what it looks like. Genetics may distribute it differently but that pretty much it.1 -
you cant spot reduce fat,it comes off where it wants when it wants thats why its said that you cant spot reduce. sure you can work your core and focus on that area,but all the exercise in the world isnt going to work if you dont lose the fat over your abs to see the muscle.and for that a deficit is needed,sure some may be able to lose some fat in a recomp. but for the most part its deficit that helps you to lose fat which is why a lot of bodybuilders and weight lifters do bulk and cut cycles.
Requiring a deficit and losing fat is a given, that is why people are using MFP. You and I have been around on this before and again, you don't seem to place value in anyone's experience. [/quote]
honestly I dont remember you , or going rounds with you. but hey if it makes you feel better to attack me then so be it.but I will be ignoring you from now on since you seem to want to start an argument and Im not going to engage in one with you.0 -
Yes, but I carry most of my excess weight in my thighs and butt. My stomach was naturally very flat up until I had my son and it was effortless. I just didn't really gain there. Now that Im older and have had a child my stomach looks different and even when I lose weight and tone there is loose skin in that area.0
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Yes, but I carry most of my excess weight in my thighs and butt. My stomach was naturally very flat up until I had my son and it was effortless. I just didn't really gain there. Now that Im older and have had a child my stomach looks different and even when I lose weight and tone there is loose skin in that area.
yeah having kids takes a toll on our bodies. loose skin will sometimes bounce back but can take up to 2 years from what I have read/have been told. sometimes plastic surgery is needed. but I figure it this way,if I have a little lose skin at least I can cover it up and not many people will know, being pregnant can stretch out stomach muscles so it could be why it looks different too.The older we get the harder it is to keep things in their place lol or get them back to the way they were.0 -
I usually only have to lose 20lb after a bulk at best, but I just do big lifts and almost never isolation ab exercises besides inverted pikes for yoga.
It's really about body fat % than anything else. Keep losing and if you can work with a full body workout and you will get more than enough ab work for strength.
My current profile picture is after two major surgeries through my ab area in my forties. It's possible to have decent results.0 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »Yes, but I carry most of my excess weight in my thighs and butt. My stomach was naturally very flat up until I had my son and it was effortless. I just didn't really gain there. Now that Im older and have had a child my stomach looks different and even when I lose weight and tone there is loose skin in that area.
yeah having kids takes a toll on our bodies. loose skin will sometimes bounce back but can take up to 2 years from what I have read/have been told. sometimes plastic surgery is needed. but I figure it this way,if I have a little lose skin at least I can cover it up and not many people will know, being pregnant can stretch out stomach muscles so it could be why it looks different too.The older we get the harder it is to keep things in their place lol or get them back to the way they were.
My abdominal muscles actually tore in pregnancy. I have a distinct line down the center when at my healthy weight. My son is 11 now. I have made peace with the skin and new look of my body. At this point my goal is to be healthy and in shape whatever that looks like.2
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