Taking stomach measurements? Abs but look pregnant?

lilawolf

I hold tension in my midsection at all times. I didn't really realize this until I was trying to take my measurements. If I hold myself normally (for me), I can see 3 vertical lines hinting at my abs, but when I relax completely(which feels really wierd), I look like I'm pregnant. Are my guts just falling out? I can't be tightening fat.... 1.25 inches is a pretty big difference. Here are my measurements. Please tell me if you have something similar and which measurement I should use for BF% estimation. All measurements in inches.

Suck in: 28
Normal tension: 29.5
"Relaxed": 30.75
Push out: 31.5

Other measurements:
Age: 23
Height: 69
Weight: 160
Hips: 41.6
neck: 13.5
R wrist: 6.75
R bicep (relaxed): 12
R bicep (flexed): 12.9
R thigh: 24.6
R calf: 14.5

RobynLB

Everyone's stomach does that. Lol. Haven't you ever seen a skinny little boy puff out his stomach? Or a belly dancer. I refuse to take my fully relaxed prego looking belly mearsurements... I just stick with "regular tension" as the true measurement.

lilawolf

Well, I knew that you could push it out a long ways, but I wasn't sure about the relaxion/tension thing... Thanks!

lilawolf

Anyone else?

envy09

I have a four pack when I hold tension in my stomach (like I normally do) and only appear "toned" when I relax. This is completely normal. The things fitness models, like the one in your profile picture, have to do before a photo-shoot to gain that look are pretty strenuous. Here's a pretty interesting article written by a fitness model on this exact subject: http://www.blisstree.com/2012/10/22/look/fitness-model-dana-mcmahan-six-pack-diet-721/

lilawolf

I have a four pack when I hold tension in my stomach (like I normally do) and only appear "toned" when I relax. This is completely normal. The things fitness models, like the one in your profile picture, have to do before a photo-shoot to gain that look are pretty strenuous. Here's a pretty interesting article written by a fitness model on this exact subject: http://www.blisstree.com/2012/10/22/look/fitness-model-dana-mcmahan-six-pack-diet-721/

I do not want a six pack for just that reason. I want to get to approximately 22% BF and increase my muscle a little more, but I really don't want to be a stick and lose by butt or cleavage. This will put me at approx 150lbs at 5'9. I want to look good but my real goals are:
25 standard pushups
10 standard pullups
bench press my body weight
5k in 25 minutes.

half_moon

I have a four pack when I hold tension in my stomach (like I normally do) and only appear "toned" when I relax. This is completely normal. The things fitness models, like the one in your profile picture, have to do before a photo-shoot to gain that look are pretty strenuous. Here's a pretty interesting article written by a fitness model on this exact subject: http://www.blisstree.com/2012/10/22/look/fitness-model-dana-mcmahan-six-pack-diet-721/

Cool link; thanks.

RobynLB

Haha. I liked that article. Her "before" picture is my goal. Lol.

lin7604

mine too.....

i am the same as you, it's amazing how measurements change when you make it tight and let it loose...