You feel strong, and you know abs are there. You have been working out, and you can even feel them beneath the skin. But for some reason, they’re just not popping out. Maybe your abs are terribly shy. Or just plain stubborn. Or, and bear with us here, maybe there is another explanation and something practical you can do about it.

1. Are your abs just hidden behind natural body fat?

Yes, we’re kicking off with body fat. That greasy, creamy, genetic, and hormonal substance that has the power to make even the strongest fittest 6-pack (or 4, or even 8, to be accurate) very hard to see. Abs are one of the last muscles to get definition, and for that, they need low body fat around them. For women, this can be challenging, as fat burns slower in the female body.

However, it is really important for women to avoid having their body fat drop too low, as this can have undesirable effects, like increasing fatigue or even making their menstruation cycle irregular. If you are having this issue, consider talking to a nutritionist about your specific needs to achieve your goals.

2. Are your abs just hidden behind some natural “life happening” stuff?

Life happens in a myriad of ways. Some days you are bloated because of some food you are getting used to, others because of something you might be intolerant to. Some sugars are hard to digest, like lactose, and some people just have aerophagia, and they swallow excessive air that can cause abdominal distension.

A distended belly, for one of the reasons mentioned above, can be compared to a pregnant belly. And it doesn’t need to be a big 3-months-pregnant tummy. Early pregnancy can actually cause bloating due to hormones, as so can the menstrual cycle. So, knowing what is going on, and if you can avoid or control it, is the first step.

3. Are your abs just hidden because of some hormonal cause?

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Marilyn Monroe might have been on to something when she said, “So keep your head high, keep your chin up (…)”. Hunching over, letting your shoulders go, slouching in chairs, or standing with a flat back that projects the body forward, are a few examples of not-so-healthy habits for our bellies. These postures can not only influence our mood in a negative way, but they make our belly poke out in a totally unnatural way.

There are many exercises that can help, but if you can be conscious about it and try to sit properly, stretch regularly, and take breaks to walk around — you’ll probably notice a difference. And not just visually. When you keep your pelvic area in the right position, you’ll also help avoid pain and tightness throughout the body.

6. Are your abs just hidden because you’ve been through pregnancy?

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And finally, the one many mommies don’t talk about: the mommy belly. This is an area that falls below a woman’s belly button after birth, and it can become a serious health issue. The good news is, it is never too late to work on bettering it through exercise. Sitting cross-legged, standing in a lunge, on all fours, or in a bridge pose are some ideas. Check with your doctor and an exercise professional.

Different belly shapes can indicate different health concerns and require specific exercises. It’s important to keep in mind that targeted exercises alone won’t necessarily lead to a flat stomach — a combination of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can all play a role in achieving a toned and healthy belly.