Visible abdominal muscles, often referred to as a “six pack”, are primarily formed by the rectus abdominis muscle. This muscle extends from your sternum down to your pelvis. When individuals talk about having a “six pack”, they’re referring to the three distinct horizontal segments on each side of the abdomen that become visible when a person has a low enough body fat percentage and well-developed core muscles.
Now, some individuals may exhibit what appears to be “eight abs”. In these cases, there is an additional segment visible, typically closer to the pelvis. This fourth segment isn’t something everyone possesses. Its visibility is determined by a combination of factors: genetics, muscle development, and body fat percentage.
Genetics play a significant role in the shape and segmentation of the rectus abdominis. Not everyone has the genetic predisposition to develop a clearly defined fourth segment. Therefore, even with optimal muscle development and low body fat, some individuals will never be able to display “eight abs”.
For those who do have the genetic predisposition, achieving the appearance of eight abs requires both intensive core training to develop the muscle and a very low body fat percentage to reveal the muscle definition. This often means dropping to a body fat percentage even lower than what’s required to display a six pack. Achieving and maintaining such a low body fat percentage can be challenging and might not be healthy for everyone.
Eight abs are rare due to the combination of genetic factors and the level of dedication required in both muscle development and fat reduction. While it’s an admirable goal for those who pursue it, it’s essential to remember that the number of visible abdominal segments doesn’t necessarily correlate with overall strength or fitness. Always prioritize health and well-being over aesthetics.