Not a scientific survey, of course. The image used could affect results. For example, this is a fit, lean female. Use a pro-bodybuilding woman on tons of drugs and the results could be different. Photos used in surveys greatly affect answer outcomes.
Also, this was posted on a fitness account, so we’ve limited the audience. Still got 8% “gross” even though you’d think people following a fitness account would at least say “impressive” even if they don’t think it’s sexy.
It is extremely impressive to see pronounced abs on either sex. The commitment and genetics required is to be respected. And yes, genetics plays a very large role. Boyer Coe comes to mind. Extremely muscularity and definition does not assure bold, pronounced abs.
That said, my personal taste in women to be a partner prefers “soft” to “hard.” Looks only go so far, the contrast between a firm male body and a soft female body excites me most. I like soft curves that might not look “perfect” on stage, but feel “perfect” when embraced.
Visible abs are hard to achieve and therefore impressive. I think there is a point where it does become gross on a woman, but I don’t think I have ever seen that on a woman that wasn’t obviously doing extensive pharm experiments on her body.
That said, from the perspective of sexual attractiveness, the waist to hip ratio is important. Too much heavy ab work does give women a blocky look that takes away from the curves. Women with lean abs that maintain the curves are impressive and hot.
My wife always had “sexy” abs, but never a 6 pack. Even after five babies. She had low body fat, strength trained and skipped rope. I think it comes down to genetics.
