It’s probably safe to say we’ve all dreamed of having rock hard abs.
Seeing toned and chiselled fitness enthusiasts can make the aspiration for a six-pack impossible to resist. However, one gym whizz has said it’s not as straightforward as people assume to get ripped.
Shannon Collins, 44, also known as The Gym Nurse by her substantial Instagram following of 150,000, has made a name for herself by providing fitness tips online.
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The fitness guru recently discussed the topic of abs, as she’s bombarded with questions on how to attain a six pack from her online community. She believes this is a conversation that requires attentiveness for several reasons.
In the first instance, she championed the idea that abs are “made in the gym” but “revealed in the kitchen”. The more dedication shown to muscle development, the more visible they’ll be when an effort has been made to decrease body fat percentage.
Nevertheless, Shannon warned there’s one significant obstacle standing in the way of our six-pack dreams – our genetics. Since individuals can’t influence where their bodies store fat, this must be acknowledged during any fitness endeavour.
In a detailed Instagram post, Shannon revealed: “Having a six pack isn’t necessarily all it’s cracked up to be. There are a bunch of factors that go into it, and it may take some people to a place that isn’t really healthy for that individual.
“It all depends on person. We are all different. Embrace being able to build a strong body – your body will naturally improve aesthetically in whatever way it’s able when you consistently live out good habits over time.
“I will say that it isn’t just about being lean. You can be lean and still have very little muscle. If you didn’t ever build anything, nothing will be there when you shed body fat.
“I was 15lbs less on left, but my muscle mass was much lower due to my training age, and the fact that I needed to spend a lot more time FUELLING and building. You aren’t building anything when you are always trying to be small.
“That goes for muscle anywhere on your body. Deposits and sacrifices need made. That comes with lots of patience, some weight gain, size increases, and not always being as small as possible.”
As compelling as her advice was, she threw in a wise reminder, stating that no physique is worth compromising one’s mental or physical health for. She warned against constantly engaging in extremes to achieve an “unattainable body”.
One grateful follower said on the post: “I appreciate that you used that question to educate instead of sell an idea ‘here is a belly fat plan’ like so many instructors/companies do. Thank you!” Another chimed: “More posts like this one and less posts that promise to ‘blast belly fat’ in seven days.”
A third said: “Wisdom. Food is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s not a bad thing to eat but just like with anything takes responsibility and good practice.” Meanwhile, a fourth added: “Thank you SO much for the information and common-sense approach! I appreciate your truthfulness and realism!”
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