Washboard abs refer to having finely defined ab muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis muscles. They are paired muscles running parallel on the frontal walls of the abdomen. These parallel muscles are joined by bands reaching horizontally towards the “white line” of connective tissue that runs from the pubic region to the chest. Given that these bands are nearly 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 do not see more washboard abs is that for most people, these muscles are hidden behind a layer of fat. That doesn’t necessarily mean somebody without washboard abs is fat or even overweight. This portion of your body naturally has this layer of fat. This is really a leftover security feature of the body as this layer protects a lot of the critical organs from harm or vulnerability to cold.

As a way to reveal your washboard abs, you need to get rid of this layer of fat. Why more people don’t have such ripped abs is that removing this layer is not easy to do. Regular diet and exercise will not get rid of it. You must target that area specifically with high intensity exercises in order to get rid of that layer.

While females can develop defined abs, it can be 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 possess more testosterone, it makes it easier for them to develop larger muscles than women.

Abs 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 is not just good for your health, but for your morale as well.