Reasons You Aren't Showing Toned Abs

Where's My Six Pack?

So you've been working out and trying to focus on getting toned and well defined abs but for some reason you just aren't seeing the results you were hoping for. What gives? Well there are a few reasons why that six pack isn't showing yet. The first reason is that you didn't give your body enough time.

Some people will drop weight and see results much faster than others. Remember that you don't win races by sprinting. The changes you are making to get a six-pack should be lifestyle changes that you intend on keeping even after you've reached your goals. Remember to be patient and consistent - you will see results.

However, time might not be the issue. Here are a few reasons why you might not have those "six-pack" abs yet...​

Related: How to Lose Belly Fat​

1. Your Diet ​

One reason that you aren't seeing results could be because of your eating habits. Some people think they are making health choices but instead are loading up on hidden sugars. Many "diet" and "low-calorie" foods are just a marketing ploy to get you to buy pre-packaged snacks that appear to be a healthy choice. In reality, these snacks can be very high in carb and sugar content.

The best rule of thumb is to look at the ingredients on the nutritional panel. If there are ingredients that you can not pronounce, then don't buy that food item. ​This will force you to stick with healthier food options that are friendlier to your midsection

Related: How to Cut Sugar From Your Diet​

2. Your Workout ​

Your workout routine could actually be the culprit here. One of the mistakes you are making could be that you are not paying enough attention to your back and sides.

Crunches will only get you so far. Your core also includes your sides and your back muscles. Add a variety of exercises to target all sides of your core. The plank and side plank are excellent options to add to your fitness routine​. There are many bodyweight workouts that you can do to target all your core muscles.

Another fitness mistake you are making is that you are focusing too much on cardio. Cardio is important for weight loss but it's not the only thing you should focus on. Strength and resistance training is the most effective way to maintain long term results. ​Building these lean muscles increase your metabolism making you burn more calories at rest.

Another type of workout you should have in your fitness routine is some form of High Intensity Interval Training. ​This is one of the best ways to increase your metabolism, burn fat, and boost calorie burning throughout your day.

Related: Best Bodyweight Workout for Abs​

3. Your Lifestyle ​

A third factor that could be contributing to your ab problem is your lifestyle. This includes your stress levels and sleep patterns. Both are important and contribute to your midsection.

If you have been feeling stressed out this can directly impact your waistline. High levels of stress release stress hormones that tell your body to hold on to fat, especially belly fat. ​At the very least you should take deep breathing breaks throughout your day. It might be helpful to set reminders. Yoga is a exercise that is amazing for weight loss and stress relief. At-home  yoga programs can be a great way to get exercise and reduce your overall stress levels.

Poor sleep patterns will also cause an unbalance in hormones making weight loss more difficult. ​Not enough sleep can cause hunger, cravings, and an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone responsible for fat gain.

Related: Best Rated At-Home Yoga Program for Weight Loss​

These are the things that could be standing in your way while trying to get a six-pack. ​If you feel that you have all these areas covered than you are doing everything right and you just need to give yourself more time. The key is to keep doing what you are doing and stay consistent. You'll see those six-pack abs in no time!

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