Answers (8)
1
False...A genetic disorder which may prevent some people...As far as people who are overweight, they certainly can and actually have abs however they are just covered with layers of fat. I used to be 280 pounds and was obese. So anything is possible with some knowledge and effort!
If we could post pictures I would love to post some pictures of when I was huge.
Fuel the Movement,
JM
If we could post pictures I would love to post some pictures of when I was huge.
Fuel the Movement,
JM
1
I guess your question is more whether you can SEE a 'six-pack' rather than having one. As Joanne points out, it is the structure of the muscle itself that makes it look like this.
I believe, though, it may be wise to differentiate between men and women here. Not so much in terms of 'six-pack' but in terms of body composition required to make it visible. While guys can safely drop their percent body fat to the point where they can admire the famous silhouette, women may have to drop down to levels which are no longer healthy.
I believe, though, it may be wise to differentiate between men and women here. Not so much in terms of 'six-pack' but in terms of body composition required to make it visible. While guys can safely drop their percent body fat to the point where they can admire the famous silhouette, women may have to drop down to levels which are no longer healthy.
1
"Everyone" in terms of people who are physically able, and who are willing to follow a proper system of synergy have a great chance of achieving a "six pack" goal - excluding of course people with physical disabilities.
The goal is genetic in terms of gender as generally a male, compared to a female, has an edge because he can generally have lower healthy body fat levels than she can, and he can more safely bring body fat levels low enough to "see" the ab definition.
It is genetic within the terms of what body type someone has when starting a program with a goal of body fat reduction with an end result of being able to see the definition of the abdominal muscles. Considering the 3 major body types: mesomorph, endomorph and ectomorph, it easier to achieve abdominal definition for an ectomorph due to a tendency of lower body fat levels to begin with (and less to lose). It is easier for a mesomorph to lose fat due to more muscle (where fat is burned) generally on the entire frame burning more fat at a faster rate plus more shapely abdominal muscle for the skin over the abs to enhance the curvature of the 6 or 8 pack muscle definition. Of course the hardest body type for losing subcutaneous abdominal fat is the endomorph having the most body fat to lose.
There are also generalities based on body types involving frame types with characteristics based on the type of shape someone has when starting their program, which determines where genetically they store their body fat and where they lose it first when following a proper program. For example a woman with an "X" shape will have a better chance of losing fat quicker around the abs than an "O" shape.
Also, spot reduction of training the abs to lose fat off the abs generally does not work - usually it is "last on, first off" with body fat loss. An "X" shape type that has just gained body fat on the abs a couple of years ago will have a great chance of "reversing" the fat that recently stored on the abs and then losing the subcutaneous ab fat for a six pack, but an "O" type that tends to store it on the abs and has had fat sored there for many years will most likely have to lose body fat from other body areas first, such as upper back and arms, and the ab fat will be the last to go. Men usually store most of their body fat around the "middle" and usually skinfold assessments show that the chest and thighs lose it first.
I advise clients that the proper synergy of the four quadrants: Cardio, Anaerobics, Eating and Rest with the energy balance scale in their favor will begin the body fat loss, and then we will see the trend of how much fat is lost and where it is lost from, to estimate how long it will take them to get down to a level to see the abs. Enjoy the journey!
The goal is genetic in terms of gender as generally a male, compared to a female, has an edge because he can generally have lower healthy body fat levels than she can, and he can more safely bring body fat levels low enough to "see" the ab definition.
It is genetic within the terms of what body type someone has when starting a program with a goal of body fat reduction with an end result of being able to see the definition of the abdominal muscles. Considering the 3 major body types: mesomorph, endomorph and ectomorph, it easier to achieve abdominal definition for an ectomorph due to a tendency of lower body fat levels to begin with (and less to lose). It is easier for a mesomorph to lose fat due to more muscle (where fat is burned) generally on the entire frame burning more fat at a faster rate plus more shapely abdominal muscle for the skin over the abs to enhance the curvature of the 6 or 8 pack muscle definition. Of course the hardest body type for losing subcutaneous abdominal fat is the endomorph having the most body fat to lose.
There are also generalities based on body types involving frame types with characteristics based on the type of shape someone has when starting their program, which determines where genetically they store their body fat and where they lose it first when following a proper program. For example a woman with an "X" shape will have a better chance of losing fat quicker around the abs than an "O" shape.
Also, spot reduction of training the abs to lose fat off the abs generally does not work - usually it is "last on, first off" with body fat loss. An "X" shape type that has just gained body fat on the abs a couple of years ago will have a great chance of "reversing" the fat that recently stored on the abs and then losing the subcutaneous ab fat for a six pack, but an "O" type that tends to store it on the abs and has had fat sored there for many years will most likely have to lose body fat from other body areas first, such as upper back and arms, and the ab fat will be the last to go. Men usually store most of their body fat around the "middle" and usually skinfold assessments show that the chest and thighs lose it first.
I advise clients that the proper synergy of the four quadrants: Cardio, Anaerobics, Eating and Rest with the energy balance scale in their favor will begin the body fat loss, and then we will see the trend of how much fat is lost and where it is lost from, to estimate how long it will take them to get down to a level to see the abs. Enjoy the journey!
0
Unless the person was morbidly obese and has excess skin covering them up or has medical metabolic issue, everybody can get six pack abs. It is easier for some people than others due to genetics and the number of fat cells in the body, but everybody can do it with a proper nutrition and exercise program. Are they sustainable for everybody is a whole other question though.
0
Nice question Laura.
It's good to understand the makeup of the rectus abdominus to understand why we see the "six pack." The rectus abdominis is a paired muscle group made that separates the right rectus ab from the left rectus ab. Each vertical column is has three horizontal fibrous bands called tendinous inscriptions. So the six pack that you are seeing is the rectus abdomonis with very little adipose tissue surrounding it.
As mentioned with proper diet and exercise it is possible to have a six pack and if you have the right genes even an eight pack.
It's good to understand the makeup of the rectus abdominus to understand why we see the "six pack." The rectus abdominis is a paired muscle group made that separates the right rectus ab from the left rectus ab. Each vertical column is has three horizontal fibrous bands called tendinous inscriptions. So the six pack that you are seeing is the rectus abdomonis with very little adipose tissue surrounding it.
As mentioned with proper diet and exercise it is possible to have a six pack and if you have the right genes even an eight pack.
0
Again I agree with Karin. Actually everyone HAS six-pack abs, the real question is whether we can see them. Genetics plays a huge role in the "seeing" part since each of us is genetically predisposed to where our body will deposit unwanted excess body fat. So, for some the seeing will be easier and for others, very difficult if not impossible.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
Joanne's point is valuable. Let us not forget genetics. If you or a client is not predisposed genetically to visible 6 or 8 pack abs it is not going to happen, not even with Britney Spear's 1000 crunches a day. We all hold subcutaneous fat deposits a bit differently. Subcutaneous fat may not allow for definition or a cut look.
