Of all the features of a sculpted body, a toned midriff is probably the most sought after.
A poll of women who go to the gym found that reducing belly fat is one of the most common reasons for exercising.
The abdomen is often cited as a “problem area” for excess fat, according to a study by experts at the University of Alberta.
But have you ever noticed that no matter how many crunches or planks you do, your abs will never look like the ones you see in TikTok videos?
There’s no need to get discouraged if your ab training isn’t effective. For some people, there are things that are out of their control.
Experts have revealed why some people find it particularly difficult to tone their tummies.
If you’re a woman, that’s bad news, said Michele Schaaf-Olson, a senior clinical professor in the School of Sport Science and Physical Education at Huntingdon University in Alabama.
“Men generally have lower levels of fat below the waist,” she tells Yahoo. “Men also have more testosterone, which promotes muscle development in the abdomen and throughout the body.
“So, generally speaking, younger men or women with a more male-like fat distribution will achieve more pronounced results.”
California-based certified personal trainer Araceli de Leon agreed, admitting that getting a six-pack is “particularly difficult for women.”
Experts say that a very toned stomach is only possible when the body fat level is at the absolute minimum, that is, the minimum required for the body to function properly.
And men need much less than women, DeLeon says, at least half the amount, especially around the middle.
To lower body fat, you need to embark on a calorie-restricted diet for a significant period of time, along with aerobic exercise that not only maintains muscle tone but also burns excess calories.
But experts have long warned about the dangers of having too little body fat, including hormonal and fertility problems, abnormal heartbeats and an increased risk of bone fractures.
“The most important thing to understand about wanting to build or tone your abs is that it’s an aesthetic goal, not a health goal,” de Leon said.
“Some people, even very healthy and strong people, don’t have a defined six-pack.”
She adds that for some people, the desire to play a role is stronger than the desire to be healthy, and many people maintain unhealthily low body fat levels to achieve that. I am.
“It’s not sustainable or healthy,” de Leon says. “Health is the number one priority.”