At what body fat percentage does ones abs begin to really show? Do you have to get below 10%?
I have been cutting for the last month or two, and have gotten down to 11.7% body fat. While I do feel leaner, only my upper abs are showing- sort of like a one and a half pack.
I wonder, do I just have to cut my bodyfat some more until I have some decent abs? To what percentage?
Or is it that I need to strengthen my ab muscles so they can show? To be honest, abs are the most neglected part of my workout.
Or is it a mixture of the two?
Im just a little frustrated that my abs still suck, even though Ive dropped almost 7% body fat during my cut.
Posted by: P-funk
depends on the person and where they hold most of their fat really. I have seen some powerlifters that have high BF% but still have abs (or etches of abs).
Posted by: jasone
Perhaps you need more abdominial development. I was at 18 percent in the photo I posted. You can see a little. I would kill for under 12 percent. Actually, I'm killing myself right now to get there. Dieting is a *****. At 12 percent I'm a six pac I bet.
Posted by: dontsurfonmytur
i've cut down to aBout 10-9% but still didnt have abs i wanted, I belived it was because i neeeded to let my body get used to me being lean and having muscle (i was fat/overweight in the past, and lost a good amoutn of muscle by running alot). So im doing a lean bulk and i probably gained 5-8 pounds (most water) and my abs look the same as before when i was 154 lbs, im now 160 something lbs.
Posted by: Favre
It's mostly bodyfat% I believe. Yes, genetics and development matter though. Your best bet is to train them with resistance to try and make them grow a little bit, then they will show at a higher bodyfat% and they will really show as you get down below 10%.
Posted by: erik5150
You say you are 11-12% and still see no abs. Two things contribute. One, you do need to get down at least 10 percent. Two, some people's bodies store fat slightly differently than this 10 percent guideline, meaning you may have to go down to 7 or 8 percent the first time to really burn the abdominal fat off. Then, after it is officially gone, you can go back up to 10% and still see your abs great.
Posted by: WATTS
the only time i have had a full six pack was then i cut down to 8% BF. but like P-funk said it depends on where you genetically store bodyfat.
Posted by: JimSnow
My gallery photos are at about 13%. You can see some fat, especially lower abs. Last to go in most cases. I hold on to that extra bodyfat because I'm in no hurry. 8% would be my ideal.
I need 10% more muscle mass before this.
In a couple years... I'll think about it. You shouldn't worry either.
Posted by: DiGiTaL
I think, get below %10 bf then workout ur abs, once u have muscle and definition then even after you get a little increase in bf% u would still have abs.
