All about abs, belly fat, and bloating

Want some help building your best body ever? Here are 5 ways I can assist whenever you’re ready:
1) Want free workout and meal plans for gaining muscle and losing fat? Get instant access:
Men ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
Women ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
2) Want to be your own coach? Read one of my bestselling books for men and women:
Men ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
Women ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
3) Want personalized help? Check out my custom meal plan and VIP one-on-one coaching services:
Custom meal plan ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
One-on-one coaching ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
4) Want an easy boost? Add a couple of my science-based supplements to your regimen, like pre-workout, protein powder, or a fat burner (and save 20% on your first order with code LEGION20):
Shop now and save ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
Not sure which supplements are right for you? Take my quiz ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
5) Want a free workout app? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced weightlifter, Stacked will help you gain muscle and strength faster.
Download now ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
And if none of that tickles your neurons, you might like all the simple, practical, and evidence-based teachings over at my blog, podcast, and Instagram.
Blog ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
Podcast ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
Instagram ⇒ geni.us/MikeSS...
---
In this podcast I talk about what it really takes to get that "six pack," including how to build your core muscles properly, how to lose belly fat (1:08), and how to beat bloating (19:51).
The Ultimate Ab Workouts: The 5 Best Ab Exercises for Getting a Six Pack: www.muscleforli...
The Definitive Guide to Muscle Hypertrophy (Muscle Growth): www.muscleforli...
How the Afterburn Effect Actually Works (And Why It’s Overrated): www.muscleforli...
Why a Gluten-Free Diet Is Unnecessary and Even Unhealthy: www.muscleforli...
The Science of Stress, Cortisol, and Weight Loss: www.muscleforli...
The Definitive Guide to Why Low-Carb Dieting Sucks: www.muscleforli...
The Refeed Day: When Dieting Should Include Overeating and Why: www.muscleforli...
How to Prevent Overtraining With the Deload Week: www.muscleforli...
WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS THAT REALLY WORK legionsuppleme...
MY WEBSITE: www.muscleforli...
MY FACEBOOK: / muscleforlifefitness
MY TWITTER: / muscleforlife
MY INSTAGRAM: / muscleforlifefitness

[@MikeMatthewsFitness]

Want some help building your best body ever? Here are 5 ways I can assist whenever you’re ready: 1) Want free workout and meal plans for gaining muscle and losing fat? Get instant access: Men ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTFreeM Women ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTFreeW 2) Want to be your own coach? Read one of my bestselling books for men and women: Men ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTBLS Women ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTTLS 3) Want personalized help? Check out my custom meal plan and VIP one-on-one coaching services: Custom meal plan ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTCMP One-on-one coaching ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTVIP 4) Want an easy boost? Add a couple of my science-based supplements to your regimen, like pre-workout, protein powder, or a fat burner (and save 20% on your first order with code LEGION20): Shop now and save ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTL1 Not sure which supplements are right for you? Take my quiz ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTQuiz 5) Want a free workout app? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced weightlifter, Stacked will help you gain muscle and strength faster. Download now ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTStacked And if none of that tickles your neurons, you might like all the simple, practical, and evidence-based teachings over at my blog, podcast, and Instagram. Blog ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTBlog Podcast ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTPod Instagram ⇒ geni.us/MikeSSYTIG

[@mactheknife801]

I get that people might not be into the long videos/podcasts, but I really enjoy them. I love your objective approach to food.

[@davegregathinks]

mactheknife801 I keep his podcast on in the background when i'm working and when i hear something that peaks my interest (which happens a lot) I stop working and go back a minute then re listen...so I've been gaining lots of amazing knowledge about health and fitness but slowly loosing productivity at work.....hahaha!

[@kyleabe3285]

hey mike, if i am 15 and lift 2.5-3 hours a week-it is hiit btw, with 2 hours of cardio can i use the activity multiplier of 1.5? I felt slightly hungry yesterday and got up to 2350 calories. I also do abs twice a week intense hiit for 15 min. thanks man

[@kyleabe3285]

im 5'11, around 160lbs and decently strong and athletic.

[@kyleabe3285]

i think i am around 15% bodyfat too

[@kyleabe3285]

Woops, i cant believe ive been overeating. So i should have like 2100 calories a day? I have been eating 2300 calories a day. Should I go straight into a cut then?

[@HavocVulture21]

I'm amazed at how unfiltered your information. it's refreshing compared to other youtubers who give you just enough info to keep you around, but hold out on you so you buy their products.

[@Rightmeon]

I bought your book... Bigger, Leaner, Stronger and its extremely helpful. Just wanted to say thank you. I have started the program and its fantastic!

[@meloff6915]

5 years later update? I just finished reading the book and I'd appreciate some customer review.

[@lakedennis5687]

Man I’m 12 years old and I’m 157lb and pretty fat so you’re helping me thank u

[@stratagize]

New subscriber to your channel, but I'm really enjoying it. You pack an INSANE amount of information into every vid.

[@hybrisss]

you do 1st set benchpress - 3 exerice superset for abs - 90sec Rest - 2nd set benschpress - etc

[@serbian78og]

One of the best videos on abs I have ever seen. Everything you need to know about abs is in the first 10min :-)

[@chuckbiller]

Great info . Appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos.

[@noahrieger9564]

Hey mike! I just wanted to say that I found your videos just a few short weeks ago and I am so glad that I did. I was one of those people who always thought that more was better and I would go for the pump when I worked out, and initially I saw some results, but they quickly stopped. So I decided to take your advice and I switched to a low volume ( 8 to 9 sets max per workout) 4 to 6 rep range training protocol, and im already seeing results. My bench went up over 10 pounds in one week! And it had stayed the same for an entire 6 months prior to that! Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you and that you truly are an inspiration and I hope you have a wonderful day! Take care!

[@MarkReadsReddit]

Always informative, and ad free! Thanks man.

[@skarz2011]

can you record your workout

[@mega325]

Thanks for doing these podcasts Mike! It's been a great help with my fitness goals!

[@shawnstephens6795]

6:25 is a special moment...lol

[@_Em0jiPraza_]

Love your pod cast videos, you have thought me so much and answered a lot of doubts that I had before. Greatly appreciate you man

[@Maruboy]

very authentic, been following you for a while and love listening to your podcasts, videos and watching your instagram channel. You live what you teach! Greetings from Germany :)

[@BlueBlairyFitness]

Thanks for the video! I've been back and forth with the whole 'ab training vs. compound lifting thing' for some time, and it's nice to have your thoughts/point of view on it! Side note, I just started taking Forge before my morning workouts; I'm excited to see what changes might take place with this product added in! :)

[@vincentvalentine8303]

great ability to teach. very clear and understandable

[@edenrise777]

Damn bro, you be ripping through your shirt! Awesome gains!

[@KojiCO-ConvinceM]

+Mike Matthews hey buddy here's my question, i'm at the 6% body fat, but what does it take to get the skin around your legs paperthin, so the definition is like the arms, is that more muscle development rather than fat loss?

[@davidwitt3547]

Koji G Yeah I'd say so. If you're still not seeing any definition in the upper leg, then it's probably more of a muscle issue.

[@Endolean]

so much great information

[@billytheweasel]

I thought some guys have more of a wall than segmented 6 pack abs, no? I've been lifting for 4 yrs and you inspired me to cut for my first time. I'm at about 15-16%. I do barbell pull-overs and 200 resistance crunches on the machines 3-4 days a week. No side-to-sides. I listen to Serge Nubret. Another great vid, *liked*!

[@malik_alharb]

i kind of like the slightly under developed ab look. it makes thr core look smaller and accentuates the v taper

[@greenslimexx]

Hey mike I just want to say I am in love with your channel you have great content. You keep it real and simple and you are very inspiring to me and have helped and corrected things in my fitness life. So yeah... I just wanted to say thank you :)

[@silviossilvestros6708]

wow man u are damn good!! I love your podcasts and i find them really really helpful,especially for people like me that got so manny questions and they really wanna learn things about fitness and health.

[@BlueBlairyFitness]

Also had a question....I'm currently cutting die a show in October, so I'm on a caloric deficit and have started introducing some cardio...i do feel that my abs might be slightly underdeveloped for my preference (judging from my last show in December). Do you think my core would benefit much from incorporating weight Ab work into my week? Or would it be harder to develop those muscles since I'm on a deficit?

[@bwooodstar]

i love your vides and podcast style.

[@Dule71]

Hey Mike, do you still use progressive overload when your on a calorie defect? I've been restrictions my calories for a long time to reduce fat and losing pounds in my workouts.

[@timparkes3853]

Great video man, a lot of good info!

[@KojiCO-ConvinceM]

Yes, before I knew much about nutrition and even though I was training hard, and my core and Abs were developed like rocks, underneath, there was a blanket of fat on top, but when I got shredded, all that hard work before had paid off because my abs are slightly overdeveloped now. Which I'm sure you know is a great help for squads bloody nightmare to show in the beginning though took a long time

[@crestwhite685]

Great Content , very informative.

[@sportlol]

buckminster fuller poster in the background

[@plxsma4692]

19:53 is when he talks bout bloating

[@sanderm4115]

My man

[@Mca2012Run]

Thanks man!

[@davidcoupal8083]

great video Mike

[@chumdiddy1983]

Can you do a full day of eating video?

[@tiagomota4734]

very nice videous ,so informative !!

[@hiphopismydrug1]

i only seem to get results from direct ab work - usually i just add cable crunches and hanging leg raises to my lower day.

[@hiphopismydrug1]

+Mike Matthews absolutely, I just do additional isolation work on top of compound movements. Very informative article!

[@nikolabliznakov]

Man, you really like to talk! :)

[@ericdahl2915]

Every sentence is knowledge. Much better than the guys who talk B.S. in a shorter vid

[@g.bizzy_]

JESSE PINKMAN? Is that you?

[@LKBHD]

BITCH! lmao

[@facelessbadman6587]

+csg990 he looks like Jesse Pinkman ate Walter White.

[@logwind]

12:00 is what stopped my oblique training including sidebends and weighted russian twists.

[@CharlieWilliamParks]

Hey Mike! I tried emailing you but I’m sure you’re busy as all heck. Long story short.. finally got back to lifting heavy weights again with Covid going on.. ordered the weights to my home. After 1 1/2 weeks training my bwt shot up 4 lbs.. still in cutting mode and diet is clean. Can the new heavy weight lifting be causing the water retention? Thank you!

[@veh21]

thank you! )))

[@TheAneliqvishinovat]

I am superset-ing a lot, because I want to save time and exhaust my muscles for the shortest time possible. This is a serious disadvantage to the 3 min rest intervals. I am wondering what can I do about that? I mean 1 hour workout will allow me to make about 4 sets of 3 exercises. I don't see how this will make me look better in the long run.

[@Croissantrophy.meme.channel]

Rest-pause training or myo reps

[@samturner5442]

Do you have a video on fixing muscle imbalances?

[@threelitelift1445]

at what point in training should we start periodization???

[@newbparodies7180]

Hey I'm 15 years old and 143 pounds. I'm stuck with love handles and arm fat. I'm not fat at all but it just won't go away in those spots. Should I start bulking or should continue cutting. I'm doing a calorie deficit currently.

[@TheMidwestConnect1]

Been following your plan for about 2 years now and love the results. My question is I thought in your first book you state that to bulk you slowly increase your carbs and to cut you slowly decrease your carbs to be in a caloric deficit. Then your fats primarily stay they same and your protein intake should be around 1g of per pound that you want to weigh. In this podcast you say that you shouldn't really decrease your carbs when you cut. What macro should I be decreasing to be in a caloric deficit? I've seen more results from decreasing my carbs than when they were higher. I've been killing myself in the gym trying to obtain a low bodyfat percentage and following your plan but I can only see a little of my top 4 abs so far. Iam 24yrs old 5' 7" at 176lbs and

[@TheMidwestConnect1]

I believe I am an Endomorph. My strength has went up tremendously since I started your training routine. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@TheMidwestConnect1]

I have noticed I am pretty much stuck at the same weight on all my workouts though and as soon as I increase my carbs I start putting on fat but I can lift more weight during training

[@katiamcmanus5269]

Where do I find the link, and thank you 🙏 very helpful and I have purchased your supplements. Never have taken any before, I am trusting you here

[@MikeMatthewsFitness]

Hey Katia, which link are you looking for?

[@vladimirstepanchuk2881]

Really informative, going to follow on Instagram.

[@MrUjum]

Great podcast Mike. I've a question anyways, you say that keeping low carb rises cortisol, but ketogenic diet? Thanks and I'll wait for that next podcast

[@WHEYJordan]

Good info

[@scubasteve68419]

What exact body fat % do abs become visible? I hear 13-14% and below. Does excess skin affect this?

[@annil8565]

Thanks for interesting podcasts! I was wondering if you have even more specific guidelines to sodium intake in table salt amounts? I suffer from "swollen" look, even though my fat percentage is 17% (female) so I don't have a lot excess fat. I mostly eat whole unprocessed foods 2000 calories per day but I like to flavor it with 7-8 grams of table salt. Do you think this is too much? Is there any way to estimate potassium amounts in food and what ratio do you prefer when compared potassium to sodium? Thank you a lot!

[@shaneemartin9303]

Hi Mike, I was wondering if you know if it is actually possible to create or make lower back dimples more prominent? Will any type of back or glute exercises actually achieve this? Thanks in advance :)

[@Dubstep011011]

Hi mike, great video, very informative. When you're reverse dieting, do you keep your protein and fat roughly the same eg 1g protein per lb and 0.3g fat per lb and only increase carbs?

[@firestar4430]

Hey mike! Great podcast! Any updates on the stacked beta?

[@siphomogolegang1616]

Mike, thanks for great books, how long should I bulk before i start cutting?

[@siphomogolegang1616]

Thanx you.

[@Tombrady-ho9tv]

You sir have a rockin bod!

[@tehking3255]

What protein do you guys recommend for muscle gains

[@pianomayne]

Do you follow the same system the Mike Mentzer wrote about in his book Heavy Duty? It sounds exactly the same.

[@venezolana187]

Hi Mike! What do you advise for people that are lean but still have a muffin top?

[@johnnymaximus88]

Hi Mike, Thank you very nice video. I have trained heavylifting for about 2 years, but never consider ab training so important, cause I was doing deadlifts, squats and military press, and I thought that is enough for good looking abs. I have realised that I was wrong, and I have been started with abs training, but got a problem. When I do abs training, after first set, during the second one I am getting muscle cramps in abs. And it is really painful. Do you have any suggestion? Additionally, I am about 14 % of body fat. Almost one year I am in lower carb diet, and in similar condition body fat condition. I have gained like about 4-5 kg in a year with incresing size of legs, back and arms. Daily I am about 2500 kcal (188 cm, 92 kg - 200 gr protein, 200 gr carbs, and about 70 gr fat) Normally I am doing 4 times per week my training routine. Do you have any suggestion how to get leaner? Thank you very much

[@Exxon300]

Johnny Maximus I experienced the same problem just keep working and they will get stronger and not cramp anymore. You ab muscles are not used to workout. I know it was two years ago

[@JourneyToJacked]

I am always bloated. I eat all kinds of things that I know cause me issues but they taste better than I look when I am lean.

[@leahlandi143]

I am around 17% body fat but I have the block - trouble getting my waist smaller, any ideas how to bring it in. I have been working my shoulders to try to achieve the perception but I still have the block. I eat keto diet. run daily and do 2-3 hitt type weight classes per week.

[@leahlandi143]

thanks

[@SilenceInTheBliss]

Mike, what would you recommend to someone (I am a girl) who already made the mistake of overdeveloping the obliques? Won't they now keep being maintained by the rest of the ab exercises even if you stop targeting the obliques? In other words, is there a way to undo this error? Thanks!

[@SilenceInTheBliss]

24% so I guess I don't really know what they will look like when I'm lean. I just know how hard I've worked them and they're hard as a rock already. I also have wide hips and am short waisted so I am working on my back and shoulders.

[@SilenceInTheBliss]

Thank you Mike. Will do and I appreciate your reply.

[@Leonsanti93]

Can sucralose cause bloating as well ?

[@cocamp1825]

Hi Mike, I have love handles even at 18% body fat (Im a girl). I always thought obliques training were important for that. Do you keep your position about it? How can I deal with it? Is it only about back workout?

[@TS-pt6ch]

I would do Mr.London Fupa challenge

[@Panos__P]

after I heard and saw this video I started to have bloating issues... Welp my body was jealous and wanted to see what is that... I hoped it will not continue for the rest of the week. Maybe I need some de-load days, idk. Either way nice video! Intersting informations.

[@danielrvt]

How many calories do you burn by standing up for 40 minutes?

[@steffen89able]

Good shit, i drink atleast a gallon of water a day which is amazingly helpful and also keeps my skin super clear. But really goodstuff

[@KojiCO-ConvinceM]

Genetic does play a part towards the end, I was the same as you as a teenager, played a great deal of sports but I ate nothing but shite, but I have had been training for years, and when I finally dropped my body fat below 10% there was a great basis for it to start from originally, and had paid off. Mainly nutrition played 90% of the role in my situation Though, I think I might of overdeveloped them because each Abby is almost over an inch thick almost looking like a box of eggs LOL A good thing for some, and others like you say might not want such overdevelopment.

[@andreiteodorof3409]

You look like Jessie from Breaking Bad. You even sound like him :)

[@moa3821]

I keep hearing that its not healthy long term to be in a constant anabolic state as it relates to muscle building. Probably means being in a constant surplus and/or maintenance. phase Have you heard anything about this “constant anabolic state”? *****

[@swan20051395]

Master mo: the problem with being in an anabolic state all the time is that everything grows including fat. That is why you can't sustain a caloric surplus for life.

[@moa3821]

Sawan Patel true. That's if your in a constant surplus. Probably better to bulk quickly and maintain

[@cockboy12]

If I drink 3 Litres of milk and have a 3 litre, 90 gram, 1,400 calorie protein shake everyday, will I gain weight? I've been doing it for three weeks now and so far nothing? I will also eat one meal per day. I consume over 3,300 calories per day. I'm 6 foot 2 and weigh 165 pounds.

[@ImperialLegionTV]

+cockboy12 Yeah you def will lol.

[@cockboy12]

ImperialLegionTV man, i've been eating roughly 2,800-3,500 calories per day and have only gained about 4 pounds in 3 months. i also work out every other day.

[@ImperialLegionTV]

+cockboy12 milk and peanut butter

[@cockboy12]

ImperialLegionTV im not even kidding there was awhile where i was drinking 4 litres of milk everyday for over 2 months along with peanut putter and avocados and cashews and almonds and eggs and bacon and butter and coconut oil and chicken and rice and more and it all just goes straight through me

[@ImperialLegionTV]

+cockboy12 thats fucked dude i gained like 15 lbs a couple months with sim diet

[@juanvillota9097]

I eat around 600 grams of carbs a day and I'm still 6% body fat...like...3700 cals a day, I'm trying to get bigger and still not making as much progress...

[@soofitnsexy]

+Juan Villota who cares....you reached your generic potential.....if thats your pic you look awesome...!!!

[@juanvillota9097]

***** hahah hey! it's hard as hell to eat so much everyday, so next time I increase my calories I should increase fat and protein? btw I'm a bar athlete, although i do lift weights for my legs, actually I'm doing your recommended ultimate butt workout, cuz why the fuck no

[@soofitnsexy]

Juan Villota whats a bar athlete...Like an irish bar??

[@juanvillota9097]

Rocco Astoria calisthenics hahaha but I see what you did there!!

[@bearwithgirl]

gluten is a protein.... not a carb!

[@N9TT-9G0A-B7FQ-RANC9]

Ive been bloated ever since i started BLS. Everyone thinks i dont even go gym lol

[@Nirvana_Replica]

Great movies, but I think they're a bit too long, having difficulties paying attention.

[@Nirvana_Replica]

+Peter francissen I've to add that this video was really helpfull tho. :)

[@crestwhite685]

forgot to ask what shirt is that

[@diablito2013]

i like your stuff, but get rid of the pop ups on your page, thank you.

[@estycki]

It looks like your arms are so heavy they're pulling you downwards

[@Modioman69]

+CaptainThroatPunch *ever

[@estycki]

Hahahaha!!!

[@johnboltin3631]

smart guy but your hats on backwards clean it up1 t

[@barry16969]

bulking vid

[@theOGofREDS]

why do you and a few others make girls your primary purpose for working out?

[@tonyrome3119]

mann you talk too much

[@Croissantrophy.meme.channel]

You listen too little