Pictures of Guys Abs

If you need some motivation toward your ideal washboard abs, viewing pictures of guys' abs may drive you back into a gym. Abs like this are the result of hard work, a healthy diet and lots of motivation.

Ripped abs aren't just for show. A strong core is important for overall fitness. Being comfortable taking your shirt off at the beach or by the pool is great, but remember: it's mainly about achieving a healthy body through smart means such as good nutrition and regular workouts.

Strong abs are important for a range of exercises and for overall stability and injury prevention. Men who correctly train their abdominal muscles can help avoid back pain - a pain that the majority of adults in America encounter, thanks largely to the vast amount of time people typically spend in a seated position.

It's true that six-packs abs are "made in the kitchen." Dietary choices have a profound impact on the definition of abs. Some foods cause inflammation and bloat, hiding the definition of abdominal muscles, just as some foods help keep inflammation down. There is also a strong genetic component to the ability to attain six-pack abs, so it's just not in the cards for everyone.

The right core exercises, combined with proper nutrition, may yield beautiful abs like these. It's a lot of work, though, and it's something that takes maintenance and intentional upkeep. Unfortunately, achieving abs like these isn't a "one-and-done" event.

Many people don't realize that boxing workouts are largely core-based in addition to being an incredibly effective heart-healthy cardiovascular training workout. Boxing requires great endurance, but it also requires strong, stable core muscles. It's one of the reasons why professional boxers have such enviable abs.

The most inspiring pictures of guys' abs usually look like this. Notice that it's not only the ab muscles that are impressive here, but also the rest of the model's body. While it's important to have a strong core, it's also important to train beyond the core. An overall strong body will provide myriad benefits such as increased mobility in advanced years.

Some people call this look the "dad bod," or a body that doesn't get much exercise or nutrition considerations. A belly like this increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also contribute to knee and lower back pain.

Does working on attaining perfect abs make a man a narcissist? No - self improvement alone is not a narcissistic trait, even if the man is eager to show off his chiseled abs any time the opportunity arises. Impressive abs take time and effort, so it's no wonder men want to show them off.

Six-pack abs look best when accompanied by rock-hard pecs. The anterior region of the pectoral region features four major muscles:

• Pectoralis major
• Pectoralis minor
• Serratus anterior
• Subclavius

How is it that some men with fantastic abs seem to have a triangular upper body? Much of it is thanks to additionally training the shoulder muscles and the "lats." The latissimus dorsi muscles provide the "wing" look that pushes out the muscle definition outward to the side, below the armpit. All in all, it's an impressive shape.

In order to avoid back injury when training the ab muscles, it's important to also train the opposing back muscles in the back. For example, the rectus abdominis muscle (that "six-pack" are everyone works so hard to define) has erector spinae as the opposing muscles. So, exercises that target the front should be accompanied by exercises that target the back.

If you're ready to start getting defined, impressive abs, there are some steps you should take:

• Examine your dietary intake. Consider a caloric deficit but focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods.
• Cardio exercise can help reduce the fat on your body, allowing your ab muscles to appear.
• Strength work is essential for building strength in any muscle, abs included.

There is so much more to ab exercises than sit-ups and crunches. Speak with a local fitness professional to get started on a program you'll enjoy and stick with.