When Kelly Ripa recently confessed that her insane abs are the result of genetics and not exercise, we all weeped just a little bit inside. It's not that she isn't athletic — she is — or that she eats junk food all day — she actually follows a low-carb diet. It's that when she goes hard at the gym, she doesn't do 500 sit-ups or planks. Not that you can tell looking at her rock-hard stomach. Ripa, 44, is one of 8 female celebrities who continue to inspire and amaze us (okay, and sometimes make us cry) with their gorgeous, flat, fit abs.
Image via Pichichi-Garces/Splash News
Kelly Killoren Bensimon
The Real Housewives of New York City star Kelly Killoren Bensimon has two children and a busy career, but at 46, she is in greater shape than ever. Rather than rely on plastic surgery or fad diets, Kelly makes fitness a priority and her hard work and sweat has paid off — those abs are killer.
Bethenny Frankel
You expect the face behind the Skinnygirl brand to be — well, skinny. But what's great about Bethenny is that she doesn't look like she's starving to death. She looks healthy and fit and her tummy is a reflection of that.
Audrina Patridge
The Hills star Audrina Patridge proved she was more than just a pretty face when she courageously accepted the challenge to compete on Dancing with the Stars' eleventh season. The 29-year-old's perfect abs are clearly the result of a strict exercise regimen.
Kelly Ripa
With three children and a schedule that requires that she wake up at the crack of dawn, Kelly Ripa is obviously disciplined — even more so since she could easily justify napping 7 hours a day, but instead choosing to work out daily. Kelly's genetics may have a lot to do with her strong abs, but her healthy lifestyle helps whip them into perfection.
Shakira
Oh my goodness, Shakira. For years and years and years, the 37-year-old star has been amazing us with those abs of steel. And all we have to do to achieve her unreal tummy is belly dance. Wait, what?!
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani did for abs in the '90s what Kim Kardashian has done for the butt: she put them on the map. The only difference is (sorry, Kim) there's no debate that Gwen's are all-natural and the product of many hours at the gym. Three kids and 20 years later, The Voice star's abs are still off-the-charts impressive.
Rihanna
Rihanna's abs have inspired YouTube workout videos for one big reason: they're defined and flat, but still look feminine. Given the number of crop tops and bikinis the singer owns, it stands to reason that her tummy is a top priority — her trainer has revealed she uses a combination of martial arts, calisthenics, and dancing.
Beyonce
When she isn't traveling around the world, cutting a gazillion tracks and records, raising another human being, and just being freaking Beyonce, Queen Bey is apparently hula hooping her little heart out in order to maintain those incredible abs. Oh, she's also dancing, running, eating a plant-based diet, and being freaking Beyonce. Pass the hula hoop!
