Are six-pack abs a real sign of fitness? Here’s why just doing sit-ups and crunches won’t cut it

Channel News Asia ^

[nickcarraway]

Been training for ages but still can't see your abs? Find out why they're so hard to achieve and why a strong core is more important than a chiselled midriff.

We’re pretty hard on how our tummy looks, aren’t we? Too protruding, too saggy, too wrinkly… it’s always doing too much and not in the way we want. Six-pack abs? Nah bruh, it’s giving one big, united parcel of abdominal fat instead. But why are we so obsessed with abs ripped enough to scrub clothes on in the first place?

“My personal opinion would be that ‘six-pack abs’ is visually appealing, and it’s often seen as a sign of a strong and fit individual with a well-maintained physique,” commented Dr Nicholas Leong, an associate consultant sports physician with Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “The entertainment industry, mainstream media and social media also tend to promote the idea that ‘six-pack abs’ represents physical attractiveness, and this can be seen on movie stars with this physique in leading roles on the big screen,” he added.

If you’re a gym-goer, torching belly fat would most certainly top your list of fitness goals. But really, are ripped abs a hallmark of fitness? We find out.

[DIRTYSECRET]

The motive is to get laid.

[know.your.why]

Its a sign of great sex for sure.

[baclava]

If you want 6 pack abs you gotta get your body fat way down for the muscles to show.

Fatties need not apply.

[Bobbyvotes]

All depends on age bracket.
In 20’s & 30’s it’s good to build muscles. After age 50 the most critical organ is heart and many miles long arteries & veins. Those must be kept clog free of fat deposits. Most beneficial is brisk walking or jogging without hurting knee joints.

[Jemian]

Fitness smitness. Six-pack abs always make my knees weak.

[rellic]

“Most beneficial is brisk walking or jogging without hurting knee joints.”
Nice advice, but too late.
My wife needs two knees and I need one.
We are both pretty healthy but old and we had very active lives.
The saying “nobody gets out of here alive”
come to mind.
People making money trying to BS people
into thinking they will live healthy lives forever
If they do as the “experts” say are BS!

How about living a moral, ethical life, and doing the best you can?
You will have a rich life.
Rich in happiness, and hopefully
in accomplishments.

[joshua c]

my big belly serves a purpose

it counterbalances

my big ass

[fella]

If you really want to get fit spend the Summer tossing hay bales around all day then swimming in the creek for an hour before dinner.

[alexander_busek]

But why are we so obsessed with abs ripped enough to scrub clothes on in the first place? “My personal opinion would be that ‘six-pack abs’ is visually appealing, and it’s often seen as a sign of a strong and fit individual with a well-maintained physique,” commented Dr Nicholas Leong

Circular reasoning! Essentially: "We're obsessed with abs because they make us look appealing - i.e., people like the way they look."

Useless!

Regards,

[Nateman]

[Bobbyvotes]

Stay active and cherish every day 😄😄
I am 85 and still mowing lawn with a push mower. Moment I stop being active will be exit from this beautiful world.

[Celerity]

I’ve found that abs are attractive to the opposite sex... but nothing like arms. Build your arms and they come knocking!

In also about to end the debate on how to get a strong core and lean abs.... a scythe. Buy and use a scythe in a field.

[Lizavetta]

I’ve found that abs are attractive to the opposite sex... but nothing like arms. Build your arms and they come knocking!

^^^^ TRUE ^^^^^

Abs don't matter much to me but a man with tanned muscular arms (no, not Schwarzenegger big but decently muscled) telegraph capable and manly. I'm all there. :)