Many of us dream of achieving killer abs.
But when it comes to chiselling your body, it can be easier said than done. Thankfully though, there are experts out there who are willing to share their top pieces of advice.
Shannon Collins is one of them. She’s known as The Gym Nurse on Instagram, where more than 150,000 people tune in to her fitness advice.
The 44-year-old has worked hard to maintain her ripped physique for years – and wants to help others get similar results. She recently revealed that many ask her about achieving a six-pack.
Her key piece of advice is to combine healthy eating with working out. She believes abs are “made in the gym” and “revealed in the kitchen”, which means you should exercise regularly while also not consuming an excessive amount of calories.
There is a big catch though. Genetics can play a part in what your body looks like, which isn’t something we can control!
Writing on Instagram, Shannon said: “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.”
Shannon reminded her followers that no physique is worth sacrificing your mental or physical health for. And for that reason, she warns against striving to achieve an “unattainable body”.
Her fans appreciated the honest advice, with one writing: “I appreciate 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!”
And another said: “Thank you SO much for the information and common-sense approach! I appreciate your truthfulness and realism!”