Question about abs and bf% for women!

[lakergirl]

Hey everyone,
I know that probably 90% of having nice abs comes from your diet, well, I have been trying t obe totally healthy now, and Ive been doing my cardio, and I have been doing my weights, and my ab exercises, but Ive seen some threads around here about bf% and how if its 12+ you wont see your abs.. Im assuming this is for men, because 12+ is very low for a woman. Does anyone know what the basic %age I have get to to make my abs visible. I can see them now faintly when I flex, and I dont really have a lot of excess on my stomach, just wondering, so I have something else to have as my next goal! Thanks!

[sillyme]

Are you doing weighted ab exercises or just ab stuff without weights?

[atherjen]

I think it all depends on the person really. it has to do with genetics somewhat. I had clear cut abs at 14%bf. some woman dont. some woman can some in competition condition at less than 10%bf and still struggle to have a "6 pack" .
as Sillyme said, concentrate alot more on resistance style crunches - cables crunches, weighted hanging leg raise, decline crunches w/plate on chest, reverse crunches w/dumbell between your feet. that will help to build up the muscles a bit, but yes, diet and bf% are a huge part.

[Lady C]

Genetics play a big part of the abs equation and at what % bodyfat one can see them. I may never get my 6 pack because to get the bodyfat low enough to see them takes A LOT of maintenance to keep them. I will be happy with being fit.

[Suzi]

As mentioned already genetics have a lot to do with the type of abs one has. It is imperative to do resistance training if you want to see definition. Diet can also make a big difference for many people in this particular area.

I also suggest posting a picture of Atherjen's abs on your wall for motivation : (I remember incredulously reading someone's post about guys not finding them attractive or some such nonsense)

[cursor]

Keep intelligently fine-tuning the diet, while performing a reasonable amount of abdominal stimulation, and you'll eventually get there.