Doing 100 push-ups a day can be an impressive feat of strength and endurance, and it’s a fantastic exercise for building and toning the muscles of your chest, shoulders, and triceps. However, when it comes to achieving visible six-pack abs, push-ups are not the primary exercise to consider. Here’s why:
Your abdominal muscles, commonly known as the “abs,” are primarily engaged during exercises that target the core region directly, like crunches, leg raises, and planks. While push-ups do engage the core to some extent (you’re using your abs to stabilize your body), they don’t intensely work the abdominal muscles to the extent required to build them prominently.
The second crucial aspect of achieving visible abs is body fat percentage. Even if you have well-developed abdominal muscles, a layer of fat over them can hide their visibility. To see your six-pack, most men need to reduce their body fat percentage to around 10% or lower, while most women need to achieve roughly 20% or lower. Incorporating cardiovascular exercises, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume) are essential steps to losing that fat.
So, while doing 100 push-ups a day can certainly contribute to overall fitness and muscle tone, it’s not the most effective or direct route to getting those coveted visible abs. If your primary goal is a six-pack, it’s essential to include targeted abdominal exercises in your routine and focus on reducing body fat. Additionally, always remember to consult with a fitness professional before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure you’re on the right track and avoiding potential injuries.