Help in achieving a washboard, taught stomach?

[rlouise94]

This question hinges on both fat loss (possibly) and ab exercises, so I wasn't sure which section to post in! Hopefully this one would be ok.

I've posted a picture of what my current stomach looks like - my waist (narrowest point of torso) is 23 inches, however I feel that there's a small pocket of fat (or, at least I think it's fat) on the lower abs.

I wanted to ask what you think of my stomach - does it look chubby/flabby - and how I can achieve a taught, washboard look, based on where I am now. I can't post links in my thread, as I've only just joined this site, but if you click on my profile, you can see a picture of my stomach.

[WolfRose7]

your bodyfat seems pretty low to me, I'd say you should get on a novice routine that gives you some muscle for several months while on a lean bulk, and then once you get a base of core strength you can cut down a bit to reveal the look you want.

example of a good routine - http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=159678631 - be sure to read the FAQ will most likely cover any initial questions

Edit: http://www.strongcurves.com/ I know this is also quite often recommended to women lifting, don't know much about it myself though

[rlouise94]

Thanks for your reply. Even though my body fat percentage sounds low (20.5%, maybe 21% I'm not exactly sure), I don't have a lot of muscle mass so I don't think my body looks very 'taught'. Did you see the picture on my profile? That might help you to judge where I'm at body fat wise

[doughnutgut]

You will have a decent set of abs already. Since they are paramount in you functioning correctly from day to day life.

The only true way to see them is to reduce your bf %.

Fwiw. I seen mine once. But with no mass. I looked a mess.

How amazing they will look, depends on genetics.

[WolfRose7]

Thanks for your reply. Even though my body fat percentage sounds low (20.5%, maybe 21% I'm not exactly sure), I don't have a lot of muscle mass so I don't think my body looks very 'taught'. Did you see the picture on my profile? That might help you to judge where I'm at body fat wise

I did and I wouldn't attempt to guess whether or not the numbers are accurate as bf% are notoriously tricky to judge xD.
You could cut more if you wanted, but I don't think it would be hugely productive since you don't look like you have much to bother cutting,
that's why IMO you'd be better off gaining some muscle mass for a bit on a small surplus, then if in 3-4 months or so you want to cut you'll have a much better foundation of muscle to reveal.

Hopefully this helps a little, Good luck with whatever you decide to do

[rlouise94]

Thank you! I think building a little bit of muscle might be necessary. On a different forum, about 2 guys told me I had stomach fat, which is why I was considering cutting a little fat

[doughnutgut]

Thank you! I think building a little bit of muscle might be necessary. On a different forum, about 2 guys told me I had stomach fat, which is why I was considering cutting a little fat

They were correct.

[CERCLJake]

Nice pictures...

Speaking specifically regarding a taught stomach, Planks and Vacuuming work wonders for tightening of abs, they help work the deep ab muscles which many ignore, giving you a corset effect which may be just what you need. I suspect these would help you a lot, as would actually standing upright.

[rlouise94]

They were correct.

Yes I knew there was a small amount of fat on my lower abs - I find that little bit difficult to get rid of, as my bodyweight is not high. Still, I would like a better body composition - less fat and more lean muscle. How long do you think it would take me to lose that fat?

[rlouise94]

Nice pictures...

Speaking specifically regarding a taught stomach, Planks and Vacuuming work wonders for tightening of abs, they help work the deep ab muscles which many ignore, giving you a corset effect which may be just what you need. I suspect these would help you a lot, as would actually standing upright.

Thanks for your reply? Do you not think I need to get rid of the little bit of fat on my lower abs (I hope it is only a little amount....)

[doughnutgut]

Yes I knew there was a small amount of fat on my lower abs - I find that little bit difficult to get rid of, as my bodyweight is not high. Still, I would like a better body composition - less fat and more lean muscle. How long do you think it would take me to lose that fat?

To be totally honest. You look pretty yummy.

Although if abs are what you want. Then how long is a piece of string?

Get onto fierce 5 and stick with it for at least 6 months whilst eating at maintenance or slightly above. Then come back with progress.

[CERCLJake]

To be totally honest. You look pretty yummy.

Although if abs are what you want. Then how long is a piece of string?

Get onto fierce 5 and stick with it for at least 6 months whilst eating at maintenance or slightly above. Then come back with progress.

Far too much information mr.doughnutgut, you should know better...!

[WolfRose7]

To be totally honest. You look pretty yummy.

Although if abs are what you want. Then how long is a piece of string?

Get onto fierce 5 and stick with it for at least 6 months whilst eating at maintenance or slightly above. Then come back with progress.

This ^

[davisj3537]

To be totally honest. You look pretty yummy.

Although if abs are what you want. Then how long is a piece of string?

Get onto fierce 5 and stick with it for at least 6 months whilst eating at maintenance or slightly above. Then come back with progress.

This^

This ^

This^

This^^^

[rlouise94]

This^^^

Ok, thanks everyone, I'll have a look at Fierce 5! I'm just frightened of gaining (fat) weight by eating above maintenance...

[davisj3537]

Ok, thanks everyone, I'll have a look at Fierce 5! I'm just frightened of gaining (fat) weight by eating above maintenance...

Then eat maintenance for a bit. You'll recomp a bit.

[ElrondHubbard]

Ok, thanks everyone, I'll have a look at Fierce 5! I'm just frightened of gaining (fat) weight by eating above maintenance...

Start the program and work hard. Once you have a good muscular foundation then you can make a judgment about your abs. It will be a very small detail, compared to the major priority of a strong, healthy vigorous body.

[3chris8]

... ignore this idiot.

Why is he an idiot...?

[ElrondHubbard]

Why is he an idiot...?

Because he's a creep trolling for ass pics.