Getting abs
Hey all, 17f (112lbs) long-time lurker. I have been going to the gym for 13 months now. I started off slightly chubby, but I am now at a healthy bmi through losing 5kg. However, progress has slowed significantly-it feels like my dream of getting abs is infeasible. Even 3 years ago, when I was extremely lean at 108 lbs and doing intensive cardio 8-10 hours a week, I never saw a hint of abs. I know mentality is vital for consistency to get results, but I am starting to question my limits. Additionally, while I am no longer overweight, I do not have noticeable definition anywhere aside from my calves. I appear normal and unfit to most, which I seek to solve. As such, could I receive input on my training program, as well as your recommendations, experience, and timeline of achieving abs and definition? Paticularly those who started out slightly overweight and achieved their dream physique.
Training routine (mofmodifiupper-lower split, each muscle group is trained 2x a week) 8-10 reps per set.
day 1: glutes and back
3x hip thrust
3x lat pulldown
3x bulgarian split squats each side
3x back rows
3x hip abductor
3x back extension
day 2: arms and legs
3x shoulder press
3x leg press
3x chest press or stabilised weight curls(targets bicep)
3x leg extension
3x seated leg curl
3x bicep curls
3x hammer curls
3x lateral raises
3x glute kickbacks each side
day 3: abs
3x hanging leg raises (knees bent)
3x weighted crunch
3x 50 sit-ups
day 4-5 is repitition of day 1-2
day 6: abs and isolated exercises (one arm is noticeably underdeveloped, so I added these in last week. Before, I would train 2 muscle groups again)
day 7: abs
I walk around 7.5-9km daily, with 30-minute hiit cardio sessions 3-4 times a week.
diet: Sugar-free, whole foods 1300-1700 calories per day. I only eat very healthy carbs like oats and brown rice. I consume a ton of vegetables, think half a salad bag or a third plate of broccoli easily. I fear protein powder, but I consume about 80-100 grams a day. This diet has been going on for 5 months.
Finally, could I get advice and experience from those who achieved their dream physique? A timeline would be very helpful-I don't have friends or gym bros so I don't have any good comparisons. Different internet sources give me a range from 6 months to 3 years, but anecdotal information would be interesting and helpful.
Thank you
Posted Feb 28, 2026, 1:18 PM UTC