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Abdominal
Exercise Equipment That Really Works
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by: C.J.Gustafson
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It’s
All About the Abs
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 gadgets and exercises 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:
About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance fitness
writer for
http://www.fitness-n-exercise-equipment.com,
your complete shopping guide for home
fitness equipment,
treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise
bikes,
ab
machines,
and weight training equipment. |
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