Achieving a defined abdominal region is a goal for many fitness enthusiasts. Typically, when people refer to a “six-pack”, they’re talking about the rectus abdominis muscle, which is a paired muscle running vertically on each side of the anterior wall of the abdomen. Its primary function is to move the body between the pelvis and the ribcage.
Most individuals have the potential for a six-pack once they reduce their body fat to a sufficiently low level where the muscle definition becomes visible. However, an “eight-pack” refers to an even more refined definition and separation in the rectus abdominis muscle.
Whether one displays a six-pack or an eight-pack is largely determined by genetics. Some people have three horizontal lines of definition, resulting in a six-pack, while others might have four, leading to an eight-pack. While everyone has these muscle segments, the tendinous intersections (bands of tissue) that create the segmented look of a six or eight pack might not be as pronounced in everyone.
Reducing body fat is essential to reveal either configuration, but just because someone reaches a low body fat percentage doesn’t mean they’ll automatically display an eight-pack. For many, even at very low body fat percentages, an eight-pack might never be visible due to their genetic makeup.
So, are eight-pack abs rare? Yes, they are less common than the typical six-pack abs because they require both a combination of extremely low body fat and a specific genetic predisposition. It’s essential to set realistic expectations based on one’s body and genetics. While striving for an eight-pack might be a fun challenge for some, achieving and maintaining a healthy and fit body should always be the primary goal.