How Long Does it Take to “Get Abs?”

You’re probably thinking the answer to this question involves doing crunches like crazy or to plank ALL day.

What if we told you that to get visible abdominal muscles is not about either of those things? It’s also not about any kind of high intensity training. What most often is ignored, is that genetics play a big part.

It's also worth mentioning that the journey to “6-pack abs” will be totally individual. You can be training and eating the same as your bestie and STILL have very different results. So, read on and let us bring you the science behind the number one body composition goal.

We all have the same core muscles (“abs”). These wrap around your whole mid-section. However, some people are naturally more muscular than others.

Each unique body type means that results will vary, even if we all follow the same eating and workout plans.

Nutrition

To increase muscular definition of abdominals, you must decrease body fat. This is achievable by being in a calorie deficit. It’s very hard to estimate the amount of time it takes to lose body fat, and therefore, show abdominal muscles. Factors affecting these results aside from nutrition also include: sleep, stress and hormones. (Note: Lower body fat does not guarantee visible abdominal muscles due to genetics and individual muscular structure.)

Training

Resistance training is non-negotiable if you want to build muscle. Whether you're using your own body weight or equipment, these actions sculpt muscle.Doing your core exercises will help make your abs pop!

Sleep

Not getting enough sleep comes with a long list of negative impacts, but a common complaint we hear from our clients is that a lack of sleep negatively impacts the likelihood of working out. Those that do not get enough sleep often also struggle with sugar cravings and feeling tired throughout the day. This is not the kind of energy you need to care of your body at a top level.

Stress

When we are stressed, the hormone called “cortisol” is released as an anti-inflammatory response. Too much cortisol can hinder our body’s response to insulin which can, in turn, slow down our metabolism and affect how efficiently we are able to break down fat. For some, based on genetics, this extra body fat can be stored around the belly area.

Genetics

The same way that some people have a predisposition genetically to store fat in their abdominal area over other areas of their body, some people are limited by genetics to how much their muscles can grow. That isn’t to say exercise does not affect muscular strength and size, and it will likely almost always change body composition in some shape or form, but it is unfair to compare our bodies to others because of this unchangeable factor. Our muscles are all structured and aligned differently that cause us to be 100% unique. Acknowledge that this is powerful and beautiful in its own way!

By addressing these areas, you can set yourself up for success!

The visibility of your abdominal muscles has no association with how healthy you are, how fit you are, or how deserving of love you are. If achieving visibly prominent abs is one of your goals, that's fine, as long as you continue to follow a holistically healthy lifestyle. It’s also definitely okay if it is not on your “2022 To-Do List” at all! Function and overall health is always more important than aesthetics. As always, we are your biggest supporters of whatever leads to a happier, healthier you.