Does A 6-Pack Mean You're Healthy?

Maybe; maybe not. It depends.

Author

Matt Fried
June 22, 2024 • Read Time: 4 minutes

Most men I know desire 6-pack abs.

Many women, too.

Let’s unpack the 6-pack!

  1. The Big Picture 🖼

  2. Explain It To Me It Like I’m 5 🧒

  3. A Look At The Downside 👎

  4. A Look At The Upside 👍

  5. Parting Zen 🧘‍♂️

The Big Picture 🖼

I have a 6-pack.

I’m vain.

I love the way my body looks.

I’ve worked hard for it.

I’m also proud that it represents:

  • Where I’ve come from.

  • What is possible for a 44-year-old father of 2.

  • What can be achieved sustainably.

There’s nothing wrong or right about 6-pack abs …

… unless they’re right or wrong for you.

Explain It To Me Like I’m 5 👦

Today’s topic, as simply as possible:

“If it hurts too much, stop.”

A Look At The Downside 👎

Not everything about 6-pack abs is as good as they look:

Credit: @PrecisionNutrition

It depends on what it costs you to acquire them.

They’re not worth giving up your sanity.

A Look At The Upside 👍

I have 6-pack abs, but I have never:

  • Used a crash diet to get them.

  • Felt stressed by my choices.

  • Kept them for a short time.

All I did to get mine was stay consistent with the basics I always tell you about.

Yes, maintaining a 6-pack requires a fair bit more discipline than average.

Here’s a general idea of what’s required for a typical person:

Male, 40, 5’10”.

No Visible 6-Pack

Visible 6-Pack Abs

Body Weight

170 pounds

160 pounds

Body Fat %

22%

13%

Weekly Alcoholic Drinks

3-4

0-1

Weekly Hours of Exercise.

4

8

Discretionary (aka ‘Cheat’) % of Total Diet

20%

10%

Sleep/Wake Time Consistency

70%

90%

Nutritional Consistency

70%

90%

I’ll stop there because it’s getting too hypothetical.

These will vary from person to person.

But you can see how if you really want that 6-pack, you must give up a few things.

You can’t be drinking a lot of alcohol, staying up late repeatedly, and over-eating or overeating poor-quality food.

If doing so will not impair your relationships and other important areas of deep health, great!

But, as Paul Chek often says:

‘What good is it if you can squat 400 pounds [or have a 6-pack] if you can’t have a conversation with your wife?’

Whether or not 6-pack abs are healthy for you, improving your health span is. Click here to book a call with me and begin your roadmap to vitality!

Parting Zen 🧘‍♂️

A simple word, phrase, or thought to take with you:

There’s much more to health than muscles.

Be well,

Coach Matt

PS: Here are some other newsletters I recommend:
Strength FrameworkTrusted by 2.4K+ Lifters to deliver actionable information on training and nutrition, backed by Science. All in a 5 minute read. Every Monday. 100% Free.
THE MODERN SUBSTITUTEA Weekly Newsletter Helping The Curious Find The Best NA Beer, Wine & Mocktails. Discover fabulous adult non-alcoholic drinks and more in a quick 5 min read!
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PPS: My common-sense disclaimer …

The advice I offer is not medical advice. If you have any medical issues, please consult your doctor first. The advice I offer should be personalized to your needs. I can help you make those personalizations or refer you out. Reply to this email if you need help.keto

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