It?s All About the Abs - Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really Works

Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really Works

There have been many studies and reports about how our society as a whole has grown heavier and chubbier. The stomach, in particular, has become a trouble spot for many people. This is due in part to the fact that many of us have desk jobs where we rarely use our stomach and abdomen muscles. For others, this is where the excess fat, brought on by the fast food and extra beers, settles in our bodies. Whatever the reason for our big bellies, there has been a host of abdominal exercise equipment and gadgets to help do away with stomach flab. Some of these techniques and equipment work better than others. This article will help you sort through the hype.

Before beginning a discussion of abdominal exercises and equipment, it is important to point out that even the best ab machine will not help you loose fat in your stomach area. Abdominal exercise equipment can tone and shape your muscles, but the only way to loose the fat is to consume more calories than you take in. Exercise will help you do this, but it is a total body process, not targeted to certain areas.

It is also important to note, that for many people, a flat stomach is not in their genetics, even if they are in good physical shape. Some stomachs have a small curve, and all the crunches in the world won't change that. However, the exercises and equipment discussed below will help tone, strengthen and define your abdominal muscles.

Abdominal Exercises & Equipment

There are many different types of ab exercisers and equipment. One of the most effective of these, the Roman Chair, is not strictly an ab machine. It is a common piece of equipment found at the gym but it can be used to perform a very effective ab exercise. The Roman Chair is a somewhat taller machine with two stationary, parallel arms and a straight, padded back. There is nothing to sit on.

When working on abs, the best way to use this piece of equipment is to place your forearms flat on each armrest, with your back firmly against the padding. You should have the Roman Chair set high enough that your legs dangle straight down when you are in position. Then slowly bring your knees toward your chest as far as you can go and hold for a few seconds before extending them to the beginning position. This exercise was number two in a San Diego State University survey that ranked the top abdominal exercises and equipment.

According to the survey, the best ab exercise is the Bicycle maneuver. Many of you are probably familiar with this fun exercise. We've been doing it since we were kids in gym class, and it turns out, the bicycle is one of the most effective exercises for working those abdominal muscles. To do the exercise correctly, lie on a mat and press your lower back flat. Put your hands beside your head. Tighten your abdominal muscles and bend your knees toward your chest until they are at about a 45-degree angle. Bring your right elbow in contact with your left knee. Then alternate with the opposite knee and elbow and repeat. You should feel it in your sides and abs.

Leg Crunches are similar to the Bicycle, but with crunches, your torso does most of the movement. Lie on the mat again with your lower back pressed flat. Place your hands at your sides or by your head, whichever is more comfortable. Be sure not to put any pressure on your arms or you will take away from the effectiveness of the exercise.

Lift your legs straight up above your head and bend your knees slightly. Squeeze your abdominal muscles and then lift your torso up off the mat toward your knees. Return to the original position with your back flat on the mat. Relax your abdominal muscles and then repeat. Remember to breathe during the exercise.

Crunches can also be done on an exercise ball and many feel it is more effective than standard crunches. You sit on the ball and place your feet on the floor about a foot apart. Roll back carefully on the ball until you are lying with your back fully extended on the ball. Tighten your abdominal muscles and raise your trunk off the ball to about a 30-degree angle. Return to the extended position and repeat.

Exercise balls are one of the most versatile and effective pieces of fitness equipment relative to their cost. Another low cost equipment alternative is a stretch band. These are just what they sound like, a stretchy band made of lycra, nylon or sometimes rubber. Sometimes called resistance bands, they allow you to work one muscle group while the resistance of the band stabilizes the opposing muscles. It is good for stretching and strengthening muscles and is often used with beginners and those who have experienced an injury.

If you are looking for something a bit more high-tech, there are several pieces of equipment made especially to work the abs. There are the Ab Crunch Machine and the Back and Ab Machine. Both of these pieces of abdominal exercise equipment have been designed to support the lower back and the neck. They also come with adjustable resistance settings.

The Ab Slider, Ab Wheel, and Ab Trainer are other examples of equipment designed to target abdominal muscles. As with most types of fitness equipment, their effectiveness often is dependant upon correct usage and, in some cases, combining them with other abdominal exercises. It is important to fully research the equipment and read instructions before using.

The quest for six-pack abs and flat stomachs has intensified over the past few years. In response, the fitness industry has resurrected some old, faithful exercises, developed new and improved versions, and even created equipment specifically to target abdominal muscles. Combine these top abdominal exercises with an overall exercise routine and a healthy diet, and chances are you will loose the flab and have a stronger, more shapely mid section in a matter of months.

About the Author:

C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance fitness writer for Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com, your complete guide to the best home fitness equipment. Find out where to shop for the best recumbent exercise bikes, ab machines and weight training equipment for your home gym.

Copyright 2005 Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.

---

The Most Important Things to Know When Choosing a Treadmill

If you ever had the desire to buy a treadmill,... Read More

Why Treadmills?

Treadmills have experienced substantial growth over the years. They are... Read More

Free Weights Vs Machines - The Battle!

It seems like everyone has an opinion on this debate.... Read More

Pacemaster Treadmill Reviews

Runner's World, a magazine for athletes who are serious about... Read More

What?s The Big Deal About Treadmill Ratings?

If you're contemplating buying a treadmill and you don't know... Read More

Aerobic Equipment - Find The Best Deals On The Best Equipment

The benefits of aerobic exercise are well documented. Aerobic exercise... Read More

How Treadmills Compare To Other Types Of Home Fitness Equipment

When it comes to exercise, people like to walk or... Read More

Elliptical Trainers and Burning Calories

One of the most frequently asked questions is do the... Read More

How To Build A $100 Home Gym That Delivers Results

So you want to save valuable time traveling to the... Read More

Electric Scooter Wholesale ? Passport For Freedom

Electric scooters wholesaleAllowing for unprecedented mobility for the disabled and... Read More

Treadmill Comparison: 3 Things You Must Know

Buying a treadmill? You'll probably be making several treadmill comparisons... Read More

Proform - The Highly Recognized Name in Treadmills

Proform is a highly recognized name in treadmills. Proform has... Read More

Treadmill Reviews - Top 3 Things to Keep in Mind When Reading Treadmill Reviews

So you're excited about buying a treadmill. You're looking forward... Read More

Treadmill Review - How To Find The Best Treadmill At The Best Price

When shopping for a treadmill, it is important to know... Read More

Tanita Body Fat Monitors

An ordinary scale can tell you your weight, but what... Read More

Benefits of A Compact Elliptical Machine

With the fitness craze that is going on across the... Read More

The Reebok Elliptical - A Brief Review

When considering the Reebok Elliptical for your workout, there are... Read More

Elliptical V Treadmill

Elliptical v Treadmill - Said The Salesman: I Peddle PedalsWhen... Read More

What To Look For In An Elliptical Trainer

To get a decent elliptical trainer you should be prepared... Read More

Proform Elliptical Trainers Are Not For The Serious

Though many people seem to like their Proform ellipticals, these... Read More

Treadmill Reviews ? Get The Most Value For Your Dollar

As the number one fitness machines available, treadmills are very... Read More

Home Exercise Equipment ? Start Planning Now for Winter

Most of us have a tendency to gain a few... Read More

It?s All About the Abs - Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really Works

Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really WorksThere have been many studies... Read More

Why Use Treadmill Belt Lubricant?

Treadmill belt lubricant is one of the most important things... Read More

Treadmills Prove Health Concerns Are No Longer An Excuse Not To Exercise

Walking has long been praised for its health benefits. It... Read More

Discount Treadmill: 3 Ways To Save When Buying A Treadmill

Most people looking to buy a treadmill are interested in... Read More

Whirlpool Baths: The Way To Good Health

For hundreds of years, mankind has recognised the soothing, remedial... Read More

Do You Know The History Of Trampolines As Exercise Equipment?

The manufactured trampoline, as we know it today, was created... Read More

5 Sure-Fire Tips To Save You $1000s On Your Home Gym

It always amazes me when people say "Home Gyms are... Read More

Wheel Chairs and Curb Ramps

Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairmentsCurb ramps... Read More

Top 10 Reasons for Buying a Home Treadmill

Why are treadmills becoming so popular? Why does everyone have... Read More

How to Choose an Elliptical Trainer that Suits Your Needs

When choosing an elliptical trainer, you'll want to consider a... Read More

Daily Treadmill Workouts are a Great Way to Keep in Shape

Serious runners and walkers eventually turn to treadmill workouts so... Read More