Are visible abs worth it?
StargazerB
Posts: 425 Member
I'm curious on how others feel about wanting visible abs. Is it worth the sacrifice to get there? And is it sustainable, especially for women, and healthy? I go back and forth with if I want to diet down enough for visible abs, most of the time I feel it's not worth it, I like to eat too much.
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Replies
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I think its mostly subjective, and depends on the person.
To me, its absolutely worth it. I have not achieved it yet (aside from a faint outline, no real definition) but its a goal of mine to obtain them and then keep them.
There's nothing wrong with deciding they're not worth it to you, though. You overall happiness and mental health are far more important than a set of abs.
It's just personal preference. For example, kind of like hair. I like long hair, I love how I look with long hair, but to me having to maintain it isn't worth it, so I keep it short/medium length.6 -
some people can't do it genetically.
if you want it bad enough you just do it...
is it sustainable...depends on the person and their build etc.
if most of the time you don't feel it's worth it then you won't get there.
I personally don't care if I ever have them...but it has nothing to do with anything other than i just don't care.
ps even at 180 I can see the obliques on my abs....genetically I probably could do it...
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I guess it depends how defined and low in bodyfat we are talking about here. I have ab definition when I lean out (I don't have a 6-pack or anything though) however I typically don't stay that lean for too long, I will cycle between being very low in bodyfat, then adding a bit of weight back to maintain or bulk. If you wanted more ab definition at higher body weight you can build up the muscles in the abs so they pop more. But a lot of it will come down to genetics and how you store fat.
Otherwise it depends if you think it's worth it and sustainable. If it's something someone is struggling to achieve, I would imagine it would also be something that would be hard for them to sustain. There is a great infographic "The cost of getting lean" which can give you an idea of the sacrifices required to get and stay lean.
https://precisionnutrition.com/cost-of-getting-lean
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I guess it depends how defined and low in bodyfat we are talking about here. I have ab definition when I lean out (I don't have a 6-pack or anything though) however I typically don't stay that lean for too long, I will cycle between being very low in bodyfat, then adding a bit of weight back to maintain or bulk. If you wanted more ab definition at higher body weight you can build up the muscles in the abs so they pop more. But a lot of it will come down to genetics and how you store fat.
Otherwise it depends if you think it's worth it and sustainable. If it's something someone is struggling to achieve, I would imagine it would also be something that would be hard for them to sustain. There is a great infographic "The cost of getting lean" which can give you an idea of the sacrifices required to get and stay lean.
https://precisionnutrition.com/cost-of-getting-lean
Thank you. Yes, I've seen this infographic graphic before. I can get the outline of my abs fairly easily but beyond that I'm just not willing to make the sacrifices. I am just curious how others feel.0 -
Dunno - I get visible abs at a relatively high bf% so it's always been one of those things that I don't pursue as a goal like some other guys. It also means I can maintain them without any real sacrifice. Luck of the draw I guess.1
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I don't have a 6 pack, but it's flat and I'm happy with that.
Like the poster above me I don't have to really work for what I have. I credit my genetics because I don't do targeted ab work and eat everything (no diets or low carbs etc).
But if I know if I'm going on vacation (boy do I really miss traveling!) or need to fit into a fitted dress I would skip pizza that week.4 -
Yep worth it for me.
But how far is the question. This is a good article on the topic. It is a very personal thing.
https://athleanx.com/for-women/women-body-fat-percentage-photos1 -
I've got some ab definition but a six pack for me is pretty much unattainable because of extra skin from massive weight loss...
I can fluctuate 20lbs and look more or less the same as far as ab definition... So it's just not worth it for me to go down that low and sacrifice what I'll lose in overall size...1 -
I guess it depends how defined and low in bodyfat we are talking about here. I have ab definition when I lean out (I don't have a 6-pack or anything though) however I typically don't stay that lean for too long, I will cycle between being very low in bodyfat, then adding a bit of weight back to maintain or bulk. If you wanted more ab definition at higher body weight you can build up the muscles in the abs so they pop more. But a lot of it will come down to genetics and how you store fat.
Otherwise it depends if you think it's worth it and sustainable. If it's something someone is struggling to achieve, I would imagine it would also be something that would be hard for them to sustain. There is a great infographic "The cost of getting lean" which can give you an idea of the sacrifices required to get and stay lean.
https://precisionnutrition.com/cost-of-getting-lean
Yep that's pretty close!
Tradeoffs sound so negative though. I really don't consider them negative. I enjoy this healthy lifestyle.1 -
No. Not every body is predisposed to them.2
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MostlyWater wrote: »No. Not every body is predisposed to them.
True, the question however was, is it worth it? To see if you're predisposed...
If you can find out by losing 20lbs or less and adding some core activation exercises. I would say yes, find out if you can get them and maintain it.1 -
I guess it depends how defined and low in bodyfat we are talking about here. I have ab definition when I lean out (I don't have a 6-pack or anything though) however I typically don't stay that lean for too long, I will cycle between being very low in bodyfat, then adding a bit of weight back to maintain or bulk. If you wanted more ab definition at higher body weight you can build up the muscles in the abs so they pop more. But a lot of it will come down to genetics and how you store fat.
Otherwise it depends if you think it's worth it and sustainable. If it's something someone is struggling to achieve, I would imagine it would also be something that would be hard for them to sustain. There is a great infographic "The cost of getting lean" which can give you an idea of the sacrifices required to get and stay lean.
https://precisionnutrition.com/cost-of-getting-lean
Yep that's pretty close!
Tradeoffs sound so negative though. I really don't consider them negative. I enjoy this healthy lifestyle.
Yea I think for some people the tradeoffs may be part of their life and not something they see as negative, others may be genetically predisposed and not have any tradeoffs. Personally I've never been so lean that I've experienced any issues or things I had to really give up. I think if I had to give up nice dinners, dessert and wine to look a certain way that would be a no-go for me.4 -
MostlyWater wrote: »No. Not every body is predisposed to them.
True, the question however was, is it worth it? To see if you're predisposed...
If you can find out by losing 20lbs or less and adding some core activation exercises. I would say yes, find out if you can get them and maintain it.
I've cut down to a BMI of 19 and only had the outline of abs and I was miserable trying to lose more. So for me not worth it. But for other people it might be.4 -
For me, wouldn't be worth it. I'm going on 46 years old so 1) not really of importance to me; 2) it would just be extremely difficult, especially working a desk job.
I had them in my teens and into about my mid 20s...they weren't anything I particularly strived for, I just had them. I was a competitive athlete growing up and then went onto the military after high school in a physically demanding position so it was pretty easy to have and maintain them. I would have to have a ridiculously strict diet and fitness regimen at this point to achieve that. I'm fine being a healthy lean and fit.
I know a couple of bikini competitors who have visible abs, but they don't maintain them year around. They're also very active as they are personal trainers, so they're either working out or working someone else out all of the time.2 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »For me, wouldn't be worth it. I'm going on 46 years old so 1) not really of importance to me; 2) it would just be extremely difficult, especially working a desk job.
I had them in my teens and into about my mid 20s...they weren't anything I particularly strived for, I just had them. I was a competitive athlete growing up and then went onto the military after high school in a physically demanding so it was pretty easy to have and maintain them. I would have to have a ridiculously strict diet and fitness regimen at this point to achieve that. I'm fine being a healthy lean and fit.
I know a couple of bikini competitors who have visible abs, but they don't maintain them year around. They're also very active as they are personal trainers, so they're either working out or working someone else out all of the time.
I'm 48. Started being responsible with my eating and added strength training each day. And pop, abs. I wasn't expecting it. Some of it is genetics however I'm not too strict. Just consistent.
I still enjoy, Friday pizza cheat days, weekend recovery and drinks with friends.1 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »For me, wouldn't be worth it. I'm going on 46 years old so 1) not really of importance to me; 2) it would just be extremely difficult, especially working a desk job.
I had them in my teens and into about my mid 20s...they weren't anything I particularly strived for, I just had them. I was a competitive athlete growing up and then went onto the military after high school in a physically demanding so it was pretty easy to have and maintain them. I would have to have a ridiculously strict diet and fitness regimen at this point to achieve that. I'm fine being a healthy lean and fit.
I know a couple of bikini competitors who have visible abs, but they don't maintain them year around. They're also very active as they are personal trainers, so they're either working out or working someone else out all of the time.
I'm 48. Started being responsible with my eating and added strength training each day. And pop, abs. I wasn't expecting it. Some of it is genetics however I'm not too strict. Just consistent.
I still enjoy, Friday pizza cheat days, weekend recovery and drinks with friends.
My overall diet is pretty good, and I strength train...but I would either have to get a lot more strict with my diet or figure out how to make my desk job more active. I am often chained to my desk...like today, I have all of 2,300 steps and it's just a bit after noon. I do cardio as well most days, but it's just not enough physical activity to make up for sitting at my desk all the time without really dialing in the diet.
I had them briefly in summer 2016, and it was a ton of work and dietary dedication. I was also racing bikes at the time, so I spent an extensive amount of time in the saddle which I don't have the luxury of at this point with my kids being the ages they are and school, homework, soccer practice, games, etc.
At anyrate, it's just not something that is important to me.3 -
I'm an Engineer chained to my desk. I have 4 kids at home. I get it. If you're curious let me know...
Otherwise, Np it was cool chatting with you.1 -
Whether or not it's worth it is going to be up to the individual. For me personally, I can sustainably maintain visible abs. That said, I've been at completely unsustainable bodyfat levels (eg, contest prep) and even if that were a condition I could be healthy at long-term, it wouldn't be worth it for me because it was absolutely miserable.6
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I don't really care if my abs are visible. Seems like an unimportant thing to be concerned about. I vain enough that I want to look relatively good both clothed and naked but not so vain that I need visible abs to feel that I achieved that.6
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jseams1234 wrote: »Dunno - I get visible abs at a relatively high bf% so it's always been one of those things that I don't pursue as a goal like some other guys. It also means I can maintain them without any real sacrifice. Luck of the draw I guess.
This is what I'm counting on.
Most people do the low body fat route and that is unsustainable for most people because your hormones.take a hit. I don't think it's worth a man losing his libido and a woman losing her period just to have abs, and both obsess over food and get potential eating disorders.
BUT, if you notice, some heavier muscled people have visible abs at higher body fat. That IS a sustainable way, if you want to lift heavy.
Here's a pic of a woman with very defined 6 pack and not super lean:
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SoHowLongIsThisGonnaTake wrote: »jseams1234 wrote: »Dunno - I get visible abs at a relatively high bf% so it's always been one of those things that I don't pursue as a goal like some other guys. It also means I can maintain them without any real sacrifice. Luck of the draw I guess.
This is what I'm counting on.
Most people do the low body fat route and that is unsustainable for most people because your hormones.take a hit. I don't think it's worth a man losing his libido and a woman losing her period just to have abs, and both obsess over food and get potential eating disorders.
BUT, if you notice, some heavier muscled people have visible abs at higher body fat. That IS a sustainable way, if you want to lift heavy.
Here's a pic of a woman with very defined 6 pack and not super lean:
Thanks for sharing. This woman looks amazing!3 -
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It's worth it to me. I'm coming up to 55 and along with extreme vanity have that curmudgeonly mindset that kinda enjoys the challenge!...but hey each to their own!4
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I got em. Figured at 48 yrs old it was impossible. It wasn't. I'm pretty lean now. Libido is just fine but I'm not 5%. For many guys you can see them at 15. For women I've read at 25 they begin to show. Those seem like very sustainable numbers.
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I’m 52. 5’8 and about 155. Not really much more than a start on ab definition.
I’ve been as low as 152. I figure I’d have to be in low 140s (or less) to get there. I think the effect of such a low weight on other areas of my body would override any benefit of having abs.
But hey KHMcG... ya look great!
I’m 50 - I’ve always had abs unless I take a bulk way too far. Even now at 225 I’ve got abs - profile pic is about 220. Now, I’ve taken a cut too deep and to the point many guys push when they get hyper focused on that six-pack but at that point most of them look DYEL in a shirt. I’d rather look yoked the 95% of the time I’m out and about.
... besides, like you - when I get below 12% or so bad things start happening, mostly to my joints. 1 -
If you have good ab genetics then yes. For me it's not worth it because I have *kitten* abs even at a low bf%.0
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StargazerB wrote: »I'm curious on how others feel about wanting visible abs. Is it worth the sacrifice to get there? And is it sustainable, especially for women, and healthy? I go back and forth with if I want to diet down enough for visible abs, most of the time I feel it's not worth it, I like to eat too much.
That depends 100% on you. I think it's worth it to do it at least once to determine what it takes to get there. After that, you can decide if it is worth it to maintain and or do it again...8 -
Lol, I haven't seen a 6 pack since my competition days. And for me the 12-16 weeks of prep were tough and some days tortuous. Anyway, I'm nowhere near 15% right now which is where my abs start to come in. Personally, I've just been staying physically healthy and still keeping up as much strength as I can. At 56, there's not a lot of vanity left in me to want to try to get down to 10%.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I tend to get the six pack when I'm training really hard for what most would consider an idiotic sport (indoor rowing). I'm 189 now and have visible abs. At the low 180s (I'm 5' 10"), I have really defined and developed abs -- I'm 55 years old.
To me, most of the year (and for vanity reasons), it's not worth it. My wife actually does not like the look! She likes love handles a bit of a thicker waist, assuming my chest and shoulders are bigger than the gut!
But I'm starting to train hard for a race at the beginning of next year and my workload is rapidly increasing. I tend to get decently cut when I train hard. Even if my abs were ripped, I'm not going to put a pic up. The shirt doesn't come off unless it's for the Mrs.
Something to me worth it more (when my waist is thin) is men's clothing shopping. Perhaps it's because I'm so ungodly cheap, but you can buy a whole wardrobe for like $200 on clearance at Dillards in the Fall if you wear a 32 waist and XL Tapered shirts. Thank God the average men can't wear that size and the clearance racks are flooded with this size. My wife was so jealous last year when I got like 10 shirts and 6 pairs of shorts for $150 the weekend after Labor Day.4 -
MikePfirrman wrote: »I tend to get the six pack when I'm training really hard for what most would consider an idiotic sport (indoor rowing). I'm 189 now and have visible abs. At the low 180s (I'm 5' 10"), I have really defined and developed abs -- I'm 55 years old.
Same for me. We are the same height, at the moment I weigh and have been maintaining with relative ease 180lbs. Abs are pretty defined but in no way would I say I am ripped. For me I have to weigh sub 175 to be really defined. At this point in my life performance and how I feel outweigh my desire to be shredded. I am 48...
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