Getting shredded, especially achieving visible six-pack abs, is a challenging endeavor for many people, and there are several reasons for this.
First and foremost, genetics plays a significant role. Everyone stores fat differently, and for some, the abdominal area can be the last place where the body sheds fat. So, while you might see progress in other parts of your body, the abdominal region might take longer to show results.
Second, to have visible abs, you need to reduce your body fat percentage to a level where the muscles underneath become prominent. For most men, this is typically below 10% body fat and for women, it’s usually below 20%. Reaching these percentages requires strict dietary discipline and consistent training. It’s not just about doing countless abdominal exercises; it’s equally, if not more, about managing your diet to ensure you’re in a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than you consume.
Third, our bodies are designed to store fat as a survival mechanism. In prehistoric times, having extra fat could mean the difference between life and death during food shortages. As a result, our bodies have evolved to become efficient at storing excess calories as fat. When you’re trying to get shredded, you’re essentially going against this natural predisposition.
Additionally, as you reduce your body fat, the body may respond by slowing down your metabolism to conserve energy. This means the leaner you get, the harder you have to work to shed those last few pounds of fat. And often, the last bit of fat that remains is in the abdominal area.
Lastly, consistency is key. It’s not enough to eat well and exercise intensely for a few weeks and expect results. Achieving a shredded physique is a culmination of sustained effort over months, sometimes even years.
While getting shredded is challenging due to factors like genetics, body fat distribution, metabolic adaptations, and our evolutionary inclination to store fat, it’s not impossible. With the right approach and dedication, you can achieve that coveted six-pack.