Washboard abs refer to possessing finely defined ab muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis muscles. These are paired muscles running parallel in the anterior walls of the stomach. These parallel muscles are joined by bands reaching horizontally towards the “white line” of connective tissue that runs from your pubic area towards the chest. Since these bands are almost always in pairs, when they are well defined it is common to see a six pack effect of muscles up the abdomen.
The reason you don’t see more washboard abs is that for the majority of the people, these muscles are concealed behind a layer of fat. That doesn’t necessarily mean an individual without washboard abs is fat or even overweight. This portion of the body naturally has this layer of fat. This is actually a leftover protection feature of the body as this layer protects many of the critical organs from damage or vulnerability to cold.
To be able to reveal your washboard abs, you will have to get rid of this layer of fat. Why more people don’t have such ripped abs is that elliminating this layer is not easy to do. Regular diet and exercise will not get rid of it. You must target that area particularly with high intensity workouts to be able to get rid of that layer.
While females can develop defined abdominals, it’s more difficult. Part of that is that women naturally possess a heavier layer of fat over their musculature. Part of it is the role of testosterone in muscle growth. Given that males have more testosterone, it makes it easier for them to develop larger muscles than women.
Abdominals are awesome to have. You look better. They raise your self esteem. It makes you confident of yourself. You fit into more clothing styles. Being fit overall isn’t just good for your health, but for your morale as well.
