In the story, Zari gestures to the voiceover of an inspirational message while adjusting her $152 (according to fashionclosetclothing) green sequin bandage dress around her stomach. The voiceover message reads, "They don't respect you when you're at the bottom, they ignore you when you're in the middle, and they hate you when you make it to the top. You will never have everyone's approval, so it's best you concentrate on your own."
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Inner approval, just like inner motivation and inspiration, is essential for general well-being as well as physical wellness. While Zari's toned stomach is one of the body goals for gym and working out, it is important to find comfort in one's body at the different stages of life.
While still on the topic, let's explore the difference between abs and packs.
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Difference between abs and packs
Most people would love to have a toned stomach. It looks good and feels great, not to mention the health benefits that come from the process of getting it. That process involves a lot of work, adjustment, and discipline, but the results are always worth the effort and time.
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Abs
It is possible to have toned stomach abs but they do not show or are subtle when there is a layer of fat over them. In Zari's case, she has toned abs but the pack does not show. Abs are a step below the pack but are just as aesthetically pleasing and healthy as the pack. For most women, toned abs are preferable. Abs don't have levels as packs do but they are defined and have traces of where the packs are built.
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Pack
Packs are protruding stomach muscles or well-defined abs. They have levels. There's the popular six-pack, the eight-pack and the four-pack. In order to get a pack, you have to burn the layer of fat and build the stomach muscles.
Although they look and feel good, the primary role of both features is maintaining proper posture and stabilising the spine. This means that while building a pack or abs, you have to engage the back muscles too. Without working the back muscles, it could result in an imbalance of spine support.
Exercise for abs includes core workouts, deadlifts and squats.
Once the abs are toned, then more focus and exercises can result in packs. Pack exercises include crunches and situps.
Takeaway
Personal well-being is a combination of self-validation and effort. Understanding your personal journey and where you want to be can help you get there faster and better. Whether it is status, finances, or physical appearance, you need to follow your own intuition and evidence from your abilities and self-belief.