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Defined, toned abs commonly called a six-pack are an often sought-after goal in the gym. But not all toned abs look the same. Some people sport a four-pack, while others may have an eight-pack.

Lets take a look at the difference between ab types as well as the diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips that can help you achieve the strongest abs your genetics will allow.

The difference between ab types lies in the structure of your abdominal muscles.

Your abdomen contains four muscle groups. To get toned abs, youll need to do exercises that strengthen all four muscle groups. These muscle groups are:

Once toned, the rectus abdominis becomes your four-, six-, or eight-pack. It comprises two connected muscle bands that run parallel to each other, down either side of the abdomen.

The linea alba is the fibrous band that separates the rectus abdominis. It forms the line that runs down the middle of the abdomen.

The rectus abdominis also helps:

The transverse abdominis is located deep within the abdomen. It extends from the front of your abdomen to the sides of your body. It helps provide stability and strength to your entire core, back, and pelvis.

If your transverse abdominis isnt being worked, your rectus abdominis wont become defined.

The internal and external obliques help control the twisting and turning movements of your body. Along with the transverse abdominis, they provide a stabilizing girdle for your back and pelvis.

The external obliques are a large muscle group located at the sides of the rectus abdominis. The internal obliques are located just underneath, inside your hip joints. Working your obliques adds definition and tone to your abs.

Being able to achieve a 10-pack is possible for some people.

You need to be born with a rectus abdominis that contains five bands of connective tissue running horizontally across it. You also need to regularly work out these muscles and follow a healthy diet.

Of course, what you eat and how you exercise also play large roles in how your abs ultimately look.

The rectus abdominis muscle has bands of connective tissue (fascia) crossing it horizontally. These bands give the appearance of multiple packs stacked on top of each other on either side of your abdomen.

Youre born with a set number of these connective tissue bands. You cant build additional ones. Your genetics also determine their symmetry, length, and size.

A person with an eight-pack has four bands. A person with a six-pack has three bands. A person with a four-pack has two bands.

Many peoples rectus abdominis has three intersections. This means that if most people worked at it, they could achieve a six-pack.

But just because you have more or less doesnt mean youre stronger or weaker. Its just your genes.

Some of the fittest people around cant achieve six- or eight-pack abs. One of these people is Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, even during his bodybuilding days, sported a four-pack.

Of course, what you eat and how you exercise also play large roles in how your abs ultimately look.

Both sexes have a genetic predetermination for the number of packs they can achieve. However, women require more body fat than men. This essential body fat is needed for:

Because of this, it may be more difficult for women to lose enough abdominal fat to define their abs while staying healthy. Having too little body fat for your body type can lead to various complications in women, like:

Men have around 61 percent more muscle mass than women due to their higher testosterone levels. Men require less body fat for optimum health, too. So, they can more readily lose enough fat to show their toned rectus abdominis muscles underneath.

While your genetics help determine how your abs look, you can still build a strong core. A strong core protects your back and spine, preventing injury.

These exercises can help strengthen your abs and build muscle mass. If you want to have visible abs, youll have to spend time toning them at least every other day and follow a healthy diet.

This highly effective exercise works your entire core, as well as your glutes and hamstrings. It also improves balance and stability.

You can also try harder modifications, like side planks and knee touches.

The dead bug works your obliques, rectus abdominis, and transverse abdominis muscles. It also improves core stability and helps correct excessive anterior pelvic tilt.

If your lower back doesnt touch the floor, roll up a small towel and place it in the small of your back to stay stable during the exercise. This isnt an easier or modified version, and it wont diminish the exercises intensity. Itll protect your lower back from injury.

Looking for a challenge? Check out these dead bug variations.

This exercise focuses directly and intensely on the rectus abdominis muscle. Its excellent for balance and full-body stability. Its also effective whether its done quickly or slowly.

For many people, getting sculpted abs requires time and dedication. These tips can help you get started.

Cardio exercise has been linked to reductions in belly fat. Less belly fat will help make your abs more visible. Cardio examples include:

Try to build cardio into your day-to-day life. Walk or ride a bike instead of driving. Take a run or swim before or after work. Hate running? Here are nine cardio alternatives to try.

Aim for a minimum of 20 to 40 minutes of cardio at least four times a week.

Exercises that require you to move your body against resistance help build muscle strength, tone, and endurance.

Exercise machines and enhancements, such as weights and body bands, all provide resistance. So do many water exercises.

HIIT refers to short, one- to two-minute bursts of high-intensity cardio followed by a rest period of equal time. To be effective, each burst of cardio must be done at your very top capacity.

Because your body is working at its highest capacity, HIIT sessions burn lots of calories both during workouts and for several hours afterward.

A high-protein diet will help you build and repair muscle. Itll also help you feel fuller longer. Opt for lean protein sources, such as:

Your ability to achieve a visible pack of abs whether a four-, six-, or eight-pack is largely determined by genetics.

However, healthy lifestyle choices, like losing belly fat and exercising, can provide anyone with a fit and toned abdomen. A strong core also helps with overall strength and balance.

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Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust.