Silly Six Pack Question

[Bill Thane Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bill Thane]

I know this is a dumb question, but do you judge whether someone has a six-pack based on when they're flexed or unflexed? I have a nothing when I've inhaled, a faint outline of abs when I've exhaled, and a very visible six pack when I flex a bit. I'm confused, since if it counts as a six pack when flexed, it seems like most people should have one, but if it only counts when unflexed I can't fathom anyone being lean enough. Also, in the same vein, do fitness models and athletes flex for their magazine photos?

Thanks for any help on this, and sorry for being a bit daft about these matters.

[closed224 Senior Member Member of the Month Dec 2014, Feb 2017 Find all posts View Profile Close closed224]

Dear Bill, I have a six pack wrapped in a huge layer of insulation lol. Pictures are often enhanced, and sometimes airbrushed. I have seen models with six packs painted and made up to enhance the look also. I think it is awesome that you can see yours slightly when relaxed and well when flexing. Unless you intend to get paid I see no reason to cut too far and risk the possible health consequences of too little body fat. In my opinion it sounds lime you are doing all the right things.

[not2big Senior Super ModeratorPEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close not2big]

Sorry I can't help you on this as my six pack is hidden under over an inch of body fat.

[kickinthemebs Senior Member Member of the Month Feb 2014 Find all posts View Profile Close kickinthemebs]

Six packs are often air-brushed, photoshopped, or altered in magazines etc. Aim to be physically fit, strong and healthy, leave the bullshit posturing and six-pack crap for the posers.

[longerlastingnoob Senior Member Member of the Month Jan 2015 Find all posts View Profile Close longerlastingnoob]

I agree with what the others said, magazines and posters airbrushed, even live events like the bodybuilding competitions, they are sprayed and oiled up and at "peak pump".
But it's possible to get strong toned abs that don't need to be flexed. Situps, captains chair, plank, are great compund core exercises. There's plenty of isolation exercises aswel. If it's something you want, then put in the time work and you'll get the results.

[TheAnimal220 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close TheAnimal220]

A six pack is a six pack when flexed.

Magazine cover models always flex their abs for pictures. It doesn't really matter how insanely lean and big you are, abs will not be defined when unflexed. Same goes for all the other muscles. The best example would be quads. Look at pics of large, lean quads flexed vs unflexed.

[Bigpurplecrown Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bigpurplecrown]

Do not compare yourself to fitness models, they are steroid, t3, clen, hgh etc. abusers. who starve themselves year round. Really toxic images for men to have to deal with.

And for photos they have the advantages of:
water manipulation and carb superloading
baby oil and perfect lighting
pre photoshoot pump
possible photo manipulation/ contrast enhancement

Furthermore the cover models are often genetically elite freaks (natural leanness, muscularity and muscle shape and symmetry even before accounting for their rampant drug use), not much different than the few freaks with 8.5+ inch cocks in porn.

[Bill Thane Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bill Thane]

Thanks everyone! Lots of good thoughts here, I appreciate your input. I'll keep on exercising, though I definitely don't expect to look like a fitness model anytime soon.