Where are My Abs?
Its 2026. New Year’s Resolution.
Abs. Everyone wants them, few achieve them, and many give up halfway when reality sets in. We’re told they enhance sports performance, prevent back pain, improve posture, help us breathe easier—and of course, make us look slim. But the journey to chiseled abs isn’t just about crunches and gym hours; it often clashes with real life, tough choices, and, in my case, a love for food and a body that’s been pushed hard by years of squash.
Abs improve sports performance, prevent lower back pain, improve posture, help you breathe better, and make you look slim.
Difficult decision
I had to make a difficult decision.
Tendonitis has struck my right arm. My knees are hurting. My back feels like it is in dried concrete. As a result of playing squash for over a decade.
The doctor recommended that it is time to give up squash.
I love squash as it is like a physical chess match. It is fast. It is a sport for gentlemen. Rude, brash, loud, cheaters need not apply. If your opponent hits a good shot, you compliment them on it. The adrenaline rush is the best.
Recommendation
The doctor recommends weights and swimming.
Eureka.
Therefore, I am in Chapters checking some of the health magazines. Getting a six-pack is the flavor of the month. Similarly, some magazines claim it can be done in 6 weeks.
After reading the magazine, getting abs in six weeks is a tempting proposition.
I try hard for six weeks and I am sure it is my failing eyesight, but the six-pack does not arrive as promised.
Healthy food
At the gym, I notice a young dude all cut with a nice six-pack. I ask him for some advice.
He eats egg whites for breakfast, oat cookies for a snack, plain grilled turkey breast for lunch, boiled spinach for a snack in the afternoon and grilled steak with broccoli for dinner. In addition, he takes an assortment of protein shakes. Similarly, a few more supplements that help you burn your fat.
So, you mean no pasta, coke, cakes, chocolates, ice cream, and sauces?
Yeah right.
Jerry, a lot has to do with genetics. Secondly, 70% has to do with food intake. Only 20% is in the gym. In addition, Indians win the spelling bee competition, not Mr. Universe. Point noted.
After 30 minutes on the stationary bike and a little bit on the treadmill, I venture home. In front of Debbie and Jean, I strike a pose. Jean said ‘whatever dad’. Debs came over, gave me a huge hug, and said that she loved me.
I dug into the tender butter chicken and naan that I ordered from the restaurant.
Photo Credits: charles gaudreault Alora Griffiths
I love my food too, and if a healthy choice is something I don’t like, I’m not going to eat it. But I really do try to eat the healthy stuff that I do like.
I feel this deeply. Sometimes the strongest decision is listening to your body and pivoting. Even when it means letting go of something you love. Even if its for a little while
These are excellent tips. Getting abs is the absolute hardest part of sculpting your body. Those suckers are hard to show off!
OMG I love this so much. It’s so good to know that guys go through this also. I’m an avid gym rat and although I don’t aspire to have a six pack, I do like a flat lean tummy. No matter how much cardio or crunches… I know it’s mostly diet too and that is horrible punishment. I don’t have the discipline to skip those carbs and up the protein and all that. Long story short… I’m happier when not pursuing those abs and eating my carbs and reading blogs like these confirming that I’m not alone. Thank you. .
My teen is on the ab journey. He’s cut out all sugar and processed foods. He joined a gym. He’s getting close.
Honestly, I am a person who dreams and wants to have my abs or core more flexible and built. Thank you for sharing these tips.
Great post. The six pack is overrated. I mean, let’s stay healthy, but also let’s stay happy. I love eating. It’s all about balance!
Whew, I get this post, but having abs is definitely a thing of the past for me. I love to eat! I will say I’ve been trying to eat healthier but getting abs … that’s probably not happening for me, lol.
Getting a six pack is not as simple as some would have you believe and takes time, dedication, sacrifice, a change in thinking and daily routine and more. It’s a shame that you had to give up squash as that is a fun game and fabulous for cardio. Also, who doesn’t prefer a more gentlemanly sport where they are able to partake. Don’t give up the butter chicken and nan, you need some pleasures in your life. Just make sure you so some kind of exercise 3-4 times a week and you’ll be fine. Debbie is definitely a fabulous woman!!!!
The ever elusive six pack. A dream of many but realistically the body fat percentage you’d need to actually show abs is extremely low. Far lower than needed to be healthy. Sometimes healthy beats aesthetic.
I would love to have my abs show like that, and do workout most days during the week, but I also enjoy food. I mostly workout right now to keep in the shape I’m in, but would have to seriously change my relationship with food to get abs like these photos.
The focus on consistent workout routines and simple diet changes to build abs gradually feels realistic. Small daily efforts like core exercises and balanced diet can slowly show visible results over time.