Bruce Lee’s Washboard Abs – How Did He Get Them?
How Did Bruce Lee Get Those Washboard Abs?
Bruce Lee is widely regarded as one of the most physically developed human beings who ever lived. His incredible physique — particularly his legendary abdominal muscles — continues to inspire athletes and martial artists worldwide.
His Ab Training Routine
Bruce Lee trained his abdominals every single day without exception. His core routine included:
- Roman chair sit-ups — 4 sets of 20 reps
- Dragon flags — an extremely difficult exercise he is credited with popularising
- Leg raises — 4 sets of 20 reps
- Side bends — 4 sets of 50 reps (with dumbbells)
- Twisting sit-ups — 4 sets of 20 reps
Diet Was Key
Bruce Lee believed that visible abs were made in the kitchen, not just the gym. He followed a high-protein, low-fat diet and avoided refined sugar, dairy, and baked goods. He also drank large amounts of water and fruit juices, and supplemented with vitamins and protein shakes.
The Philosophy Behind the Body
For Bruce Lee, physical training was inseparable from mental and spiritual development. He kept meticulous training diaries and was constantly researching new methods, incorporating ideas from Western bodybuilding, gymnastics, and boxing into his martial arts practice.