| LadyJasmine said: I likely will get some flak for this but I actually think I want to gain some weight. I am 5 6 and under 100 pounds but not a flat frame either... I do have strength in my legs and wonder how do you gain weight but not in fat? |
Work out and eat good food!
| twintail said: I am interested in knowing... ppl who get defined stomachs, is that from working out first and then losing stomach fat? also what home exercises are specific to burning fat around the stomach? I am thin and tall looking, but my stomach could use a l trimming. |
Technically, anyone with a low enough bodyfat% will have visible abs, which is the reason a lot of skinny high-school dudez go "hurr-durr I have abs". Well yea, everyone has abs lol. Not everyone is lean enough to show them though.
But here is a second point I feel the need to share: the abdominal muscles function to keep a human being upright and straight (which is why planks are the best core exercise. Any ab exercise that includes hip flexion, like sit ups, actually hit your hip flexors more than abs). If you spend a lot of time sitting/lying down etc your abs will become weak through disuse, and relax/loosen at rest, while your hip flexors tighten. For example, an office worker who spends 90% of his life sitting or lying down does not use his abs - unless he makes a conscious effort to engage/exercise them as well as practicing good posture. There are a lot of professors and teachers in physical education who choose to have a standing desk or to sit on a ball so they can keep their core tight! Making a conscious effort to engage your core in everyday life by practicing good posture is the first step. Planking daily, even a minute at a time, will really help to correct your posture and strengthen your core. If you feel you have tight hip flexors I'd really recommend stretching them as well.
Having a weak core may cause back pain, anterior pelvic tilt, and a distended belly (a stomach that sticks out). It's really in EVERYONE'S best interest to take care of their core - whether or not they want a 6 pack. Those of us who have "sitting" careers need to pay attention to this the most.
Furthermore I think it's important that I point out the difference between flexed and unflexed pictures. Even the most ripped dudes on instagram don't look like that all the time. Not necessarily what you were asking but it's a good myth to dispel. Exhibit A from a Reddit thread.
And finally, to answer your second question, you can't spot reduce fat, and some of us are predisposed to hold our fat in specific areas.
If you're looking to make dem abs pop, I'd recommend doing ab strengthening work like planks as well as getting your diet in check. But really, if you're planking, you might as well start doing some other strengthening movements for your other muscles.
I could go even further into this but I'll refrain unless you have any further questions or need clarification!
PS: I should point out that humans with the strongest cores will also have the thickest cores. For example, a strongman. Functional, not aesthetic
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