Bulging Abs vs Flat Abs

PrincessBanana89
PrincessBanana89 Posts: 24 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi Everyone!
So I have been looking at a ton of pictures online of very fit and strong women; however I notice that some have abs that seem to protrude while others have stomachs that are super flat (both with very defined abs). Does anyone know how to achieve the second of the two? I know diet is like 80% of it, but I also want to know the other 20%. I've read forums and articles that say planking is the key, but I just want some additional opinions. Thanks!

Replies

  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Genetics and how they are posing.

    My abs stick out pretty far despite rarely doing direct work. I know some women who work very hard on their abs and their abs are very flat. I can make mine look a bit flatter when I rotate, suck in, stretch or pose in special ways.
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    It might be that some of the women are flexing and others are not. But it's probably 95% genetic. And perhaps also having to do with how strong. The more muscle you build, the bigger they'd get. So I think if you get to the point you like and maintain your strength there instead of continuing to increase your weight/load for exercise then perhaps that'll work.

    To get abs of any kind you should look into weight lifting programs such as strong curves or strong lifts. Finish the programs with some extra ab and back work. You'll also likely have to cut a lot of fat. As in getting down to 18%ish body fat. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to build muscle and lose fat at the same time, so most people recommend doing one and then the other. Typically starting with cutting fat, and then building the muscle (which builds back fat since you're eating at a surplus to do this) and then cut the fat again haha.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/why-abs-look-different

    Here's the same woman, but her abs look different in the pictures due to flexing and posing.
    dlb6-200x300.jpg
    delt-homicide-mhp-image-2.jpg
    97d6592e4527c97283e5dce7a01b5037.jpg
  • Snow3y
    Snow3y Posts: 1,412 Member
    Flexing, posing, anabolic steroids, Growth Hormone, amount of years of training.. All a factor
  • ecdce
    ecdce Posts: 129 Member
    edited February 2016
    Nevermind, already explained!

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