Getting abs

Review my program

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

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