A quick question concerning fat and muscle.

[Zill]

Alright, here's the question.

When you flex your stomache, you're supposed to be able to feel how deep your fat tissue goes by how far you can reach until it's stiff(by pushing with your finger), right?

If that's true, here's another question.
My stomache has some bulge, and what's weird is .... when I flex, there's less than an inch of fat on it. And if the flex-to-test-fat method that I've heard about is correct, then that means my stomache is naturally not flat!!

Is the first question untrue or is it true and I just have a naturally bulged stomach? Shouldn't stomachs be flat if they're free of fat?

Thanks!

 

[bipennate]

Alright, here's the question.

When you flex your stomache, you're supposed to be able to feel how deep your fat tissue goes by how far you can reach until it's stiff(by pushing with your finger), right?

If that's true, here's another question.
My stomache has some bulge, and what's weird is .... when I flex, there's less than an inch of fat on it. And if the flex-to-test-fat method that I've heard about is correct, then that means my stomache is naturally not flat!!

Is the first question untrue or is it true and I just have a naturally bulged stomach? Shouldn't stomachs be flat if they're free of fat?

Thanks!

If you're referring to the shape of the abdominals, then no, not specifically: everyone's genetic make-up determines what their abs will look like. Some are "flatter" in appearance than others.

If you're referring to actual bulging "fat," then you're feeling the bulge of visceral fat, which is internal fat stored around the organs. This is the dangerous fat that you want to be careful of having too much of, because it contributes to health problems by its proximity to the vital organs.

 

[dswithers]

There are at least 3 kinds of body fat: Visceral, subcutaneous or intramuscular fat. Visceral fat is not the fat that lies just under your skin, that type is called subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat is deep inside. When you do a poke test or a skin caliper test you are "measuring" only subcutaneous fat.

 

[Zill]

Ahh, I see!
This explains alot, but also worries me a bit because I seem to have more visceral fat than anything

Thanks alot!!!
I'm glad I posted here you guys seem to know exactly what you're talking about.

 

[Pisser]

Regarding a "flat" stomach, aren't all stomachs, when relaxed, naturally protruding just a little near the bottom because the of the organs (you have your intestines down there)? I mean, to say it's a 90 degree angle flat to the floor is impossible unless you're emaciated, right?