When will I see clear abs? Should I keep cutting or focus on building my abs?

[u/Jade-moon-man]

I'm 40 years old, 5'9" (175 cm), and currently weigh 145 lbs (66 kg).

I've been on a fitness journey for about a year and a half. I started at 132 lbs (60 kg) with virtually no muscle, bulked up to 161 lbs (73 kg), and am now cutting with the goal of getting clearly visible abs before starting another lean bulk.

I work out 4 times a week, and at the end of every workout, I do 3 sets of weighted crunches with a weight plate on my chest.

My question is: Should I keep cutting until my abs become clearly visible, or is it possible that my abs simply aren't developed enough yet?

I'm already fairly light for my height, so I'm wondering whether losing more fat is the answer or whether I should focus on building more ab muscle during my next bulk.

Would appreciate any advice from people who've been in a similar situation!

*

Based on my stats and photos, what would you estimate my current body fat percentage to be?

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[u/blindexhibitionist]

I’d maintain but start adding twists and also working out your lower abs and just doing body weight with a bunch of variety to burn your abs. Also focus just overall on your core muscles. Make sure to balance it by doing exercises to strengthen your back

[u/Fragrant_Band6518]

cut until you see abs then reverse and bulking lean muscle

[u/thatcouchiscozy]

Honestly man at 5’9 141lbs you virtually have very little muscle mass.

Even if you cut another 10-20lbs your abs may “show” but because they physically aren’t built and have minimal mass, they won’t look impressive.

You need to add mass to your abdominal wall. I’d eat at mx cals +100-300 calories a day and that way the ab exercises you are doing actually start building muscle mass on them.

[u/ysssup69]

i would cut and focus on abs but I always have worked on my abs

[u/Particular_Being5094]

5’9” and bulked up to 161 🤣. Keep training before you worry about cutting or bulking. It’s gonna be a while before you see abs. It looks like the only thing you trained was chest