What’s the easiest way to get a six-pack at the gym? Take the beer from your fridge and smuggle it in.
Do you want washboard abs? Of course you do. Who doesn’t?
So leave that beer at home and get your ass moving to get some actual abs.
Unfortunately, getting washboard abs is a lot harder than just doing a few crunches every day. It takes dedication and hard work to get those sexy six-pack abs that will make all your friends jealous.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to get washboard abs and look amazing for summer!
Washboard Abs: Turn That Dad Bod Into a Rad Bod
We are going to start with the most important question: do you even lift, bro? If the answer is no, then you can forget about washboard abs.
No one ever got washboard abs by doing bicep curls with five-pound dumbbells. The trick to visible washboards is actually maintaining low body fat.
If you’re serious about getting washboard abs, then you first need to know what they exactly are. Washboard abs are a type of muscle definition that is achieved when the rectus abdominis, or abdominal muscles, are very toned and defined.
These muscles are located on either side of the stomach and extend from the ribs to the pelvis. The washboard abs look like a series of ridges or “boards” stacked on top of each other.
While washboard abs are often associated with being incredibly shredded and having very little body fat, this is not always the case. You can have washboard abs with a higher body fat percentage, it just might not be as visible.
Washboard abs are also more common in men than women because women tend to store more fat in their lower bodies. This is due to hormones and is perfectly normal.
Do You Know How to Sew?
We hope so cause you’re about to get ripped!
Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer to getting washboard abs. Everyone’s body is different and will respond differently to various types of exercise and dieting.
That being said, there are ways you can get rid of your flabby beer gut. Let’s take a look at some methods you can try.
Healthy Diet
You are what you eat, and this could not be more true when trying to get washboard abs.
Avoid processed foods, soda and other sugary drinks, and crazy amounts of alcohol. These will all sabotage your efforts to get washboard abs.
You need to be eating clean if you want washboard abs. Otherwise, they are just filth boards.
Clean eating includes lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, and tofu. You should also be eating plenty of vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach.
Reverse Crunch
You think you mastered the crunch. WRONG! Introducing the reverse crunch.
This is a move that will target those deep (noice!) abdominal muscles and give you the washboard abs you desire.
Here’s how to do it:
- Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Place your hands on the floor beside you or behind your head.
- Use your abs to curl your hips off the floor and towards your chest, then slowly lower them back to the starting position.
Now do that 20 more times. Think you can? Prove it.
Side Planks
A few years ago, the plank was huge and went viral. The kids were planking on everything.
But of course, you were too cool to join them, probably enjoying those chicken wings too much.
Put those saucy wings aside and start with the side plank. This move is excellent for targeting the oblique muscles, which will give you those washboard abs.
Here’s how to do a side plank:
- Lie on your side with your feet stacked and one elbow directly beneath your shoulder.
- Use that elbow to prop yourself up so that only your forearm and feet are touching the ground.
- Lift your hips so that your body forms a straight line from your head to your feet.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Remember, you cannot spot-reduce fat. This means that doing 100 sit-ups will not magically make the fat around your stomach disappear.
Hip Flexors
One major issue that can prevent you from getting washboard abs is tight hip flexors.
Tight hip flexors can pull your pelvis down and make it difficult to engage your core muscles, which are essential for getting washboard abs and your sex life!
To loosen up your hip flexors, try this simple stretch:
- Lie on your back with both legs extended in front of you.
- Place your right ankle on top of your left knee.
- Use your hands to grab hold of your right thigh and pull it towards you. You should feel a stretch in the front of your right hip.
- Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Flutter Kicks
This move might make you feel a little silly at first, but if anyone laughs, just show them your abs and use them to wash out that filthy mouth.
Here’s how to do flutter kicks:
- Lie on your back on the floor with your hands by your sides, and your legs extended straight up in the air.
- Keeping your legs straight, quickly lower your right leg about an inch or two above the floor.
- As you lower your right leg, raise your left leg up. Continue to alternate back and forth for a total of 30 seconds.
Plank
Remember that side plank? Here is the OG of all planks.
This move is a true test of endurance and will give you washboard abs in no time, relatively.
- To do a plank, get into a push-up position, but instead of resting on your palms, rest on your forearms.
- Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels.
- Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. If you can hold it for longer, go for it!
Push-Ups
An ab workout isn’t complete without push-ups. This move not only works your chest, shoulders, and triceps but also forces you to engage your core muscles.
To do a push-up:
Start in a high plank position with your hands beneath your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart.
- Lower yourself down until your chest grazes the floor, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Push yourself back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for a total of 20 reps at a time.
Leg Raise
This move is a great way to end your ab workout.
Here’s how to do a leg raise:
Lie on your back on the floor with your legs extended straight out in front of you and your arms by your sides.
- Keeping your legs straight, slowly raise them up until they’re perpendicular to the floor.
- Pause for a second, then lower them back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for a total of 20 reps.
What Is the Difference Between Washboard Abs and Six-Pack?
The washboard abs are the top layer of abdominal muscles that can be seen just under the skin.
A six-pack is a group of muscles that make up the washboard abs. The washboard abs are made up of three muscle groups: the rectus abdominis, external obliques, and internal obliques. The six-pack is made up of the rectus abdominis muscle group only.
The washboard abs are more visible when there is less body fat. The six-pack is visible when the rectus abdominis muscle group contracts.
So, to answer the question, washboard abs are the top layer of abdominal muscles that can be seen just under the skin, while the six-pack is a group of muscles that make up the washboard abs.
How Long Does It Take To Get Washboard Abs?
Never, if you don’t get your ass moving.
But in all reality, this is a loaded question because it depends on a few factors.
First, how much body fat do you have? The more body fat you have, the longer it will take to see your washboard abs.
Second, how often are you working out? If you’re only working out once a week, it’s going to take longer to see results than if you’re working out four or five times a week.
And lastly, what kind of exercises are you doing? If you’re only doing crunches, it’s going to take longer to see results than if you’re incorporating a variety of exercises that work your whole body, including your abdominal muscles.
So, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on a few factors.
But if you’re serious about getting washboard abs, the best thing you can do is to start working out regularly and incorporating a variety of exercises that work your whole body, including your abdominal muscles.
Where Does the Term Washboard Abs Come From?
Seriously? You need to ask this? Perhaps you should help your lady with the laundry every once in a while.
The term washboard abs come from the fact that these muscles resemble a washboard.
Washboards were once used to wash clothes by hand. They are usually made of wood or metal and have ridges that help scrub the clothes clean. Similarly, the muscles in your washboard abs help to scrub your internal organs clean.
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