What do my abs really “cost”?
Over 8 years, I’ve put 1,947 hours into my abs. Forty minutes a day — plus running, yoga and strength work for my legs and back. It’s not just training; it’s years of work on myself.
What is any of your efforts worth? Maybe it’s not money, but hours, days and years of persistence.
Abs are revealed in the kitchen
Abs don’t appear from crunches — they show when your body fat comes down, and that happens in the kitchen. A balanced shape is when strong glutes and a solid back make your waist look more defined; your core works in every basic exercise anyway. But train your whole body, not just your abs: strong legs, back, glutes and core together create both shape and health.
It’s not only about calories
I could say, “Eat less and the weight will go.” But that’s not the whole truth. Calories matter, but lots of sweets and blood sugar swings cause puffiness and hide your results. An imbalanced gut microbiome gets in the way of a flat stomach, causing bloating and inflammation. Whole-food carbs — root vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruit and berries — keep blood sugar steady. Fibre is the real secret to a flat stomach: it supports your gut and helps keep your microbiome in balance.
Posture and breathing
Posture and breathing matter too. They switch on the deep core muscles, draw the belly in, improve circulation and give you energy.
My abs aren’t about a six-pack. They’re about hours invested in myself: attention to food, work on posture, breathing and my body. That’s priceless, because looking after yourself on the inside always shows on the outside. Don’t undervalue your efforts — they’re what shape us.
Want a plan that fits your body and your routine? Book a session →
General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, please talk to your GP.
What is any of your efforts worth? Maybe it’s not money, but hours, days and years of persistence.
Abs are revealed in the kitchen
Abs don’t appear from crunches — they show when your body fat comes down, and that happens in the kitchen. A balanced shape is when strong glutes and a solid back make your waist look more defined; your core works in every basic exercise anyway. But train your whole body, not just your abs: strong legs, back, glutes and core together create both shape and health.
It’s not only about calories
I could say, “Eat less and the weight will go.” But that’s not the whole truth. Calories matter, but lots of sweets and blood sugar swings cause puffiness and hide your results. An imbalanced gut microbiome gets in the way of a flat stomach, causing bloating and inflammation. Whole-food carbs — root vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruit and berries — keep blood sugar steady. Fibre is the real secret to a flat stomach: it supports your gut and helps keep your microbiome in balance.
Posture and breathing
Posture and breathing matter too. They switch on the deep core muscles, draw the belly in, improve circulation and give you energy.
My abs aren’t about a six-pack. They’re about hours invested in myself: attention to food, work on posture, breathing and my body. That’s priceless, because looking after yourself on the inside always shows on the outside. Don’t undervalue your efforts — they’re what shape us.
Want a plan that fits your body and your routine? Book a session →
General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, please talk to your GP.
