The most vain and "broest" of goals - visible abs, can an old man get them?

Me:
51, 6’3”, 225 lbs (photo below)

Stats:

Bench 255
Squat 315*
Deadlift 315*
Military Press 135
*could probably go heavier but not pushing it due to fairly recent back surgery

History:
Been lifting since high school but half assed always until about 1 year ago when I started preparing for back surgery (completed March 2023).
Feb 2023 Dexa: 214 lbs and 22% body fat
November 2023 Dexa: 225 lbs and 16% body fat

Diet:
Track food via my fitness pal. No fast food, mostly the same meals every day, don’t fret too much over macros but make sure I get at least 200+ grams of protein per day and make up the difference with carbs/fat. Average around 2500-2750 calories daily. 5-7 alcoholic drinks per week,

Training:
Lifting: I just finished a every other day full body plan for 3 months. Now starting a Reverse Pyramid plan hitting one big compound lift (bench, squat, deadlift, military press) with accessory training (rows, incline press, bicep/tricep work, etc) every other day (avg 3-4x per week). Each session lasts about 75-80 minutes.
Two days per week of 30 mins walking and mobility work
One day per week of rest or the occasional HIIT session

Supps:
Testosterone – 200 mg weekly (2 months in), I also take fish oil, Methylfolate, Ashwaghanda, and CoQ10. I just completed 6 months of CJC 1295/Ipamorellin peptide therapy and a long run of creatine. I’ll probably start the creatine back up in a couple of weeks.

Injuries: nagging left elbow pain and gotta watch the low back still.

Short term goal: lean out and get visible abs by May 2023 (beach vacation)

Any tips for me to reach his goal?

Here is the first thing to cut out

For sure Train your ab muscles directly with weights. If they grow they’ll POP more.

Maybe consider doing ab work During your cardio (like a couple sets every 5 minutes of activity) to get possible, Theoretical spot reduction of belly fat.

1 Like

Well, sober January is right around the corner… I love a fine whiskey though.

I’m a Jack in the Box tacos man myself, but they don’t taste as good as having abs.

1 Like