mclean, any bodybuilder should have somewhat visible abs year round,if they dont its simply a fatso or powerlifter.
My abs are visible, for the most part. I'm just not ripped, nor did I ever claim to be. I can see four of my six-pack (five, if I flex really hard).
Where I have to be careful, especially as I get older is the love handles.
The flip side of that is I don't have to eat nearly as much food as I did back then, to maintain my size or strength (or to get bigger).
My point is and remains that all these people, bleating about how rough they have it, simply are not eating enough food. If their diets aren't right, they can whine about steroids and genetics all they wish. They will get nowhere.
My gains didn't improve, until I buckled down and really started chowing down. Believe me, downing a dozen eggs a day, a half-pound of beef, some chicken, a quart of milk, 3 Mega Mass shakes (described earlier) and whatever decent food was at the cafeteria, WAS NOT a picnic.
But, it was worth it all. I exceeded my expectations and my friends and family were in near-shock.