How Long Does it Take for Abs to Show?

There are few things more frustrating at the gym than sticking to a workout without seeing any results. If you’re trying to bring out your abs and show off a six-pack, but aren’t seeing any results despite all your working out you’re probably wondering how long it’s supposed to take. So, how long does it really take for abs to show?

It takes anywhere from three months to two years for abs to begin showing. The reason there is such a wide range is in part because people vary in body weight and composition as well as how quickly and easily they can put on muscle. Additionally, diet and exercise routines can also contribute.

If you want rock-hard abs but you also want a realistic timetable as to when you can expect them, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide below we will take a deep dive into the factors that contribute to how long it will take to bring out your abs. We’ll even provide some clues you can watch out for to know if your abs will show soon. So come along and let’s dive right in!

What Determines How Quickly You Can Get Abs?

How quickly your abs start to show is determined by a number of different factors. To really estimate how long it’s going to take you individually, you’ll have to weigh each of these factors in turn and take your conclusion with a grain of salt.

The following factors contribute to how quickly your abs will begin showing:

• BMI: You need to reach a certain BMI to really have a good chance at having your abs show. On average men need to fall somewhere between six to thirteen percent body fat while women need to fall somewhere between fourteen to twenty percent.
• Body Composition: How our bodies distribute fat can vary wildly from person to person. Some people will just have more body fat to lose even if they have a lower weight.
• Nutrition: What you eat is going to play a huge role in how quickly you can get your body fat down and target areas like belly fat.
• Metabolism: Hand in hand with nutrition is your metabolism. Your metabolism will also have its place in determining how quickly you can lose that body fat.

Please keep in mind that the human body is extraordinarily complicated and there is a wide range of diversity in functioning from one person to another. That is to say, even if you take all of these factors into account, you still can’t be 100% sure of how long it will take you to attain your abs. Still, you can have a rough idea to work with and draw motivation from.

Is it Possible to Get Abs in 30 Days?

We’ve all seen those books and videos claiming there are special workouts that will allow you to have rock-solid abs in a ridiculously short period of time like 30 days. While a lot of these services are making exaggerated claims it’s only natural to wonder if it really is possible to get abs in 30 days. So is it?

In theory, an individual could get abs in 30 days, however, they will likely already have a low BMI and decent dietary habits to begin with. For most people it’s going to take anywhere between 90 days to two years.

What are the First Signs of Getting Abs?

So how do you know exactly when your abs are going to begin to show? Are there any signs you can watch out for?

Below we’ve listed some of the most common signs that your abs are on the way shortly:

• You’re losing weight: Weight Loss is really the key to bringing out your abs. If you’re consistently losing weight then it is a sign your abs are on their way.
• Your body and muscles look leaner: The leaner you can get the closer you are to having those rock-solid abs.
• Your waistline is getting thinner while your abdomen is more defined: This is a real sign that you’re losing weight in the right places. The more defined your abdomen becomes the more likely your abs are to show.

If you’re patient you should start to see these signs within weeks to months of beginning your workout/diet regimen. Remember to be patient as this process can vary greatly in the amount of time it takes.  

So Really, How Long Does it Take for Abs to Show?

At the end of the day, you’re going to need to consistently work out and eat right for at least three months before you start to see your abs. Please keep in mind, however, that depending on your own body composition and other factors it could take significantly longer.

That’s why you should really be patient with yourself. If you are persistent those abs will show eventually and you can be proud of the effort you put in to bring them out!