• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
Fitness

The Best Ab Exercises For Those Washboard Abs

by Austin Letorney Published on Dec 1, 2023 Fact checked by Kai Greene

washboard abs
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Washboard abs can give you an absolutely shredded aesthetic and these exercises are sure to help you achieve that.

You want that shredded six pack to pop. But those washboard abs seem like too impossible of a feat to accomplish. With that attitude, they most likely are. But what people forget is that most of the work done on your abs is in the kitchen. What you eat greatly affects your body fat and just how much those abs pop through. However, a solid ab workout routine for your core can ensure you hit all those intended goals when it comes to a shredded aesthetic so those washboard abs actually do become reality.

Knowing which exercises to try and which ones are actually beneficial can be challenging. With so many out there, it can be tough to weed through all the nonsense and get reliable and effective ab exercises that will both strengthen and show off those abs. Don’t let someone talk you into a boring, ineffective workout and rely on consistent and honest sources to help you achieve those washboard abs(1).

Let’s take a look at some great ab exercises to help you achieve those washboard abs. The right exercises can give you everything you want and more to greatly benefit all those gains. Able to do at home or the gym, these exercises are convenient and will work for you.

washboard abs

Benefit Of A Strong Core

While those washboard abs offer an amazing aesthetic, the benefits of having a strong core go far beyond just sheer look.

Benefits of strong abs include:

  • Prevent lower back pain: Don’t let low back pain hurt your gains and overall performance. Strong abdominals will take stress off your low back and provide for better support with activities.
  • Better balance and posture: A strong core can enhance better balance and posture, especially for those of us who sit all day. This will ensure more safe and effective lifts as well as added stability (2).
  • Easier everyday activities: Playing off of better support, your daily activities won’t seem so difficult because you will have strong abs to back you up.
  • Aid in big lifts: Those big lifts, like the squat and the deadlift, require core support and with stronger abdominals. A lifting belt also helps with additional core support.

washboard abs

Best Ab Exercises For Washboard Abs

Hanging Leg Raises

Hanging leg raises are great for isolating your hips and abs and involve you hanging from a bar as you perform the exercise by bringing your legs parallel to the ground. While it does require strength to hold yourself on the bar, the benefit of this exercise is that you really feel a core burn to start to see results. It is important to not swing and to keep a tight and engaged core. Also, when lowering your legs, make sure the descent is slow and controlled to maximize results.

Ab Wheel Roll Outs

An ab roller wheel is a great fitness tool to increase abdominal strength and power and works well when building functional strength and power. While this mainly works your rectus abdominis, it also will have an impact on your obliques, low back, and glutes to provide a well-rounded exercise. Easy to perform, ab wheel rolls outs are great for strengthening abs to reduce low back pain, enhancing balance and posture, and of course, aiding in that desired six pack.

Reverse Crunch

The reverse crunch is an effective exercise and can greatly influence those washboard abs. The benefits around performing this exercise are that it can take strain off your neck and is less stressful on your back than crunches. This will also target deeper in your abs to enhance strength and offer a great aesthetic (3).

Russian Twists

Russian twists are a helpful ab exercise to work those obliques to allow for those abs to pop and aid in that washboard aesthetic. While this is a simple movement, you can add weight for added resistance and to really challenge yourself while aiding in strength and support. It is important to keep a neutral spine and engaged core to provide for the best form to avoid unwanted pain.

Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are great for working on core strength while also providing for a higher endurance ab exercise. Cardio is a great way to shed fat and aid in those washboard abs and this total body workout has great influence on those gains. Also known as running planks, this exercise involves you starting in a plank position and essentially running in a horizontal fashion. You will most certainly feel a burn with this exercise.

meal replacements

Featured Supplement

Having a solid fat burner supplement can greatly help shed that unwanted fat (4) so your washboard abs begin to pop. Paired with a healthy diet and solid training routine and you are well on your way to an aesthetic others will envy.

Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Transparent Labs Fat Burner is a great burner to expedite weight loss in 3 ways. A 100% honest label ensures quality ingredients and optimal effectiveness.

Shop Transparent Labs

Transparent Labs Fat Burner is a great supplement to expedite weight loss by allowing you to shed fat, maintain muscle, and build that ideal physique for whatever comes your way. Working with 3 ways to expedite fat loss, this works to increase loss by determining how many calories you should burn, prevent hunger to eliminate snacking and unwanted calories, and offer an enjoyable weight loss experience so you actually work for your fat loss goal more effectively. With just 9 ingredients, this formula works to give you everything you need to succeed in your weight loss journey while boosting your metabolism.

Price: $49.00

Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Also, check out our individual review for Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner!


Check out our list of the Best Fat Burners for more great fat burning products!


Wrap Up

Achieving those washboard abs can be challenging but it is absolutely not impossible. With the right approach and proper training routine, you will find a shredded aesthetic every time you look in the mirror. While much of these gains occur in the kitchen and your meals matter, the right abs exercises can work to give you a great workout so those washboard abs show. Plus, you’ll have a body others will most definitely envy.

Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

*Images courtesy of Envato

References

  1. Washboard Abs: The Ultimate Guide. (source)
  2. Hibbs, Angela E.; Thompson, Kevin G.; French, Duncan; Wrigley, Allan; et al. (2008). “Optimizing performance by improving core stability and core strength”. (source)
  3. Contreras, Bret; Schoenfeld, Brad (2011). “To Crunch or Not to Crunch: An Evidence-Based Examination of Spinal Flexion Exercises, Their Potential Risks, and Their Applicability to Program Design”. (source)
  4. Jeukendrup, A. E.; Randell, R. (2011). “Fat burners: nutrition supplements that increase fat metabolism”. (source)

About Austin Letorney

Austin Letorney is a writer, actor, and fitness enthusiast. As a former rower, he has shifted his focus to sharing his knowledge of the fitness world and strength sports with others.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility