How do you get rid of the layer that’s hiding your abs? This woman’s story tells you exactly how.
Trudie German is an inspiration. Her real-life approach to fitness makes her sunny disposition not only likable, but also very aspirational. Just one look at her Instagram account (@bodyenvy1) and you’ll see someone who is friendly, tells it like it is, and obviously works hard to stay fit. Another thing that’s hard not to notice: Her amazing abs! And when the personal trainer and owner of Body Envy told us that she didn’t grow up with a natural six-pack, we had to find out how she did it—and she did it in her 30s.
Everybody wants to know how to get abs, but what made you really commit to it?
“I wanted abs because a sexy six-pack shows dedication, hard work, and commitment. But mostly because I wanted to look hot in a bikini.” (Don’t miss these exercises that flatten your belly—that aren’t crunches.)
What was your fitness routine to get abs? Was the focus on cardio or strength?
“I did interval training, and more precisely, high-intensity interval training (aka HIIT) using weights, combined with explosive exercises like plyometrics. The focus was definitely on strength because cardio would have burnt up my muscle mass. So, I increased the amount of weights I was lifting and, in doing so, I realized that my body fat percentage was decreasing, which is the key to revealing your abs.”
They say abs are made in the kitchen. So, do you think a restrictive diet plays a key role in how to get abs?
“As cliché as it may sound, it definitely is true. I would even take it a step further and add that abs made in the grocery store. What you pick up there ends up in your kitchen. I’m not an advocate of restrictive diets because I believe balance is important. What I did was drastically cut the amount of processed sugar I was consuming. To do this, I had to learn the different names [of sugar ingredients], like high-fructose corn syrup. With that change, I soon started seeing a difference in my abs.”
When did you first start noticing definition? When should other women start being positive about their efforts?
“Right after my birthday in January, I said no more processed sugar for at least eight weeks, and in about four weeks I noticed a difference. My clients usually start seeing positive changes in four to six weeks, as a result of eating clean, and doing effective exercises.”
What tips do you often give friends for starting out a workout for physical changes?
“Rule one in how to get abs: You can’t out train your fork. Two: Eat as much food from trees and the ground as is possible. Three: Make time to exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week. And four: Start now! Our body is a temple, it’s the only one we’ll ever have. If we take care of it, it will take care of us. Being sexy, fit, and healthy is a lifestyle, not a program, boo.”
There you go! It’s as easy as one, two, three, and four.
