Low bf but stomach sticks out far

[hrg217]

I'm 18, 6'1.5" and about 167 lbs. I used to be about 215 lbs but lost the weight about 2 years ago. However when it came off it revealed my stomach that with little fat on it sticks out far past my chest. In attempt to get rid of it (thinking it was fat) I got down to as low as 150 lbs but to no avail. This is very frustrating to me as I eat very cleanly (no cheats) and exercise often (lifting 4 days a week, cardio 6 and abs 6), but still appear when my shirt comes off to be fat or at least pudgey. I've spent the past 2 years holding back my stomach so it doesnt stick out through my shirt. I have decent ab muscles (can transform my stomach into a 6-pack with little flexing effort) but of course none of this shows.

I dont need a 6-pack, i just want a flat stomach that doesnt make me look fat. What should I do?

Thank you for any advice

[Gzus]

An improper pelvic tilt can make your stomach protrude even if you have low bf/abs. Check your posture.

[hrg217]

how can in change my posture to help hide this?

[Gzus]

Do you resemble figure a?

[Brad155]

u have weak transverse abdominals, you need to train them. the transverse abdomnals hold your stomach in, and cant be trained by normal ab workouts. do stomach vaccums a few times a week in the mirror for as long as you can hold, and a do few sets. also add weighted planks to your ab routine.

[Sarevok459]

Do you resemble figure a?

I kinda sorta have this...

I assume it's genetic?

[Gzus]

Daily habbits, working out etc can cause it. Most of the time it's correctable by addressing weakness/flexibility issues. If you spine is naturally curved in excess, you mightn't see much improvment though.

[mac520]

I kinda sorta have this...

I assume it's genetic?

no, it's caused by modern lifestyle.

focus on tightening your abs (transverse abdominus) to maintain good posture. after a while you'll get used to it and will have them tight all the time.

[hrg217]

I dont really resemble figure a in that my back doesnt appear curved like that. Only the stomach part matches. In terms of exercises, I do planks frequently, and am essentially always tightening my abs to hold back my stomach. What more should I be doing?

Also, not sure what Sarevok459 is doing answering targeted at me, although its always good to see your post helps someone else

[mac75]

I dont really resemble figure a in that my back doesnt appear curved like that. Only the stomach part matches. In terms of exercises, I do planks frequently, and am essentially always tightening my abs to hold back my stomach. What more should I be doing?

Also, not sure what Sarevok459 is doing answering targeted at me, although its always good to see your post helps someone else

Stand with your back against a wall. make sure your butt, shoulders, and head are back against the wall. You should be able to slide your hand up to the knuckles behind your lower and the wall. Anything more and you have lordosis. I have it, I can slide my hand all the way thru to the other side.

It causes me a tremendous amount of trouble on my squats. I have been working to correct it for only a few weeks, but concious posture at all times, tighten your abs and your glutes when standing or walking.

[Preservations]

watch your diet this is a huge factor this is also known as pooch, hanging legs raises stomach flexers, cable crunches are some good ones to rid it but it's basiclly all diet...

[.international]

u have weak transverse abdominals, you need to train them. the transverse abdomnals hold your stomach in, and cant be trained by normal ab workouts. do stomach vaccums a few times a week in the mirror for as long as you can hold, and a do few sets. also add weighted planks to your ab routine.

O man. I never really knew what the point of those exercises were until now. YOU JUST BLEW MY MIND HOMEY. **** that'll be my new favorite ab routine now. Thanks.

[hrg217]

To answer a few points made: I do planks and hanging leg raises often - guess just keep doing them.
I have a very clean diet, but are there certain foods I should stay away from?
My back against a wall is pretty flat, not very curved, only the stomach is curved.
I am pretty much constantly holding my abs/stomach in, but i guess i'll try specific stomach vaccums
Thanks for all the advice so far, any more is greatly appreciated