Having a toned stomach is not for the weak
I used to be so hard on myself and my body when I would see girls with rock hard abs and big booties all over social media.
For me it’s always felt like I could have one but not the other at the same time, especially at the start of my journey.
After years of training I feel like I’ve finally found somewhat of a balance between having glutes while still having a toned stomach. However, there’s a LOT that goes into the appearance of having “abs” that I didn’t realize right away but wish I knew at the start of my journey…
1. I don’t have them all the time (nobody does)
When I have “abs” it’s because I had to put a LOT of work into them. I wasn’t just born with insane stomach definition!! And even when I do have them, there’s days I wake up bloated or enter my luteal phase where it seems like they’re gone. There’s a lot of factors that make up the appearance of abs.
2. Most of it comes from a high protein, clean, caloric deficit
Again, for me it takes a lot of work and dedication to get my desired results. I often have a set macronutrient plan for when I enter a cut to shed body fat and show my abs. It’s not about restriction…but it is about consistency with the things you say you will do to get results.
3. Genetics play a huge role
…surprise! Genetics actually play a majority of the role in where fat is stored and muscle builds quickest in your body. It will genuinely be easier for some people to get abs and that’s just life, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
4. You often lose fat everywhere else before they become visible
Women tend to store most of our fat on our stomach and hips to protect our organs and reproductive system… first of all, think of how beautiful that is! Don’t let societal standards and social media tell you otherwise… especially because it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. However, if you do have a goal of making your abs visible, you will most likely lose weight and fat everywhere else before you start to notice your stomach.
Achieving a toned stomach is often viewed as a desirable fitness goal, but it's important to understand that it requires a multifaceted approach. One key aspect is the role of diet in reducing body fat to reveal abdominal muscles. A high-protein diet, combined with a caloric deficit, is essential for weight loss and muscle maintenance. Staying consistent with your macronutrient plan can lead to the desired results over time. Genetics cannot be overlooked; they significantly influence where your body stores fat and develops muscle. Accepting that some individuals may find it easier to achieve visible abs can alleviate unnecessary pressure on yourself. Moreover, the visibility of abs often comes after losing fat in other areas first. Many women tend to store fat in their stomachs and hips, which requires friends to balance their fitness goals with a positive body image. Remember, the journey to a toned stomach is not linear and varies greatly among individuals. Each person's body responds differently to workouts and dietary changes, so embrace your unique path!
