Weight Loss: Abs Diet Quiz  

So what if the last test you took was of the paternity variety; you can fly through this one, which will gauge your potential for developing a flat stomach and a 6-pack. Don't worry if your score plunges lower than Mariah Carey's neckline. Follow the ABS3 principles and Abs Diet Workout for 6 weeks, then take the test again—and see how far you've come.

 

Add up your total points.

 

Age

Your metabolism slows with age. The older you get, the less fat you burn at rest.

 

Younger than 25   +2 25–35 +1 Older than 35 -1

 

Body Fat

The higher your fat level, the longer it'll take to see your abs.

 

Below 10 percent  +2 10–15 percent   +1 Higher than 15 percent -1

 

Motivation

If you skip workouts regularly, you won't make as much progress.

 

Consistently work out 3 or more times per week  +2  2 times per week +1 Fewer than 2 times per week   -1

 

Diet

High amounts of bad-for-you fat will derail your program.

 

Less than 30 percent of daily calories from fat            +1 30 percent or more of daily calories from fat        -1

 

Weight Lifting

Strength training is proven to help raise your metabolism and build muscle mass, including the abdominals.

 

Strength training with challenging weights 3 or more times per week +2  Light weights 3 or more times per week   +1 No weight training -1

 

Interval Training

Sprinting is a high-intensity workout, burning more calories and raising metabolism.

 

At least one interval session per week   +2  No intervals            0 

 

Walking/Cardio

Walking or doing light steady cardio exercise at least 2 days a week   +2 Doing less than 2 days a week   0 

 

Stress

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol may make you pack on abdominal fat.

 

Low stress +1 Some stress 0  High stress  -1

 

Crunches

The classic ab exercise, but doing too many too often can work against you.

 

2 or 3 crunch sessions per week   +1  Crunch infrequently  0 No crunching  -1  More than 3 sessions per week   -1 

 

Your Score

8 points or higher: On your way to a 6-pack, if you're not there already.

3–7: Getting close

2 or lower: Gut may look like the beer truck instead.

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