Its All About the Abs - Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really Works
Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really Works
There have been many studies
reports about how our society as a whole has grown heavierchubbier. 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 stomachabdomen muscles. For others, this is where the excess fat, brought on by the fast foodextra beers, settles in our bodies. Whatever the reason for our big bellies, there has been a host of abdominal exercise equipmentgadgets to help do away with stomach flab. Some of these techniquesequipment work better than others. This article will help you sort through the hype.
Before beginning a discussion of abdominal exercisesequipment, 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 toneshape your muscles,
the
way to loose the fat is to consume more calories than you take in. Exercise will help you do this,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,all the crunches in the world won't change that. However, the exercisesequipment discussed below will help tone, strengthendefine your abdominal muscles.
Abdominal Exercises & Equipment
There are many different types of ab exercisersequipment. 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 gymit can be used to perform a very effective ab exercise. The Roman Chair is a somewhat taller machine with two stationary, parallel armsa 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 gohold 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 exercisesequipment.
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,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 matpress your lower back flat. Put your hands beside your head. Tighten your abdominal musclesbend 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 kneeelbowrepeat. You should feel it in your sidesabs.
Leg Crunches are similar to the Bicycle,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 headbend your knees slightly. Squeeze your abdominal musclesthen 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 musclesthen repeat. Remember to breathe during the exercise.
Crunches can also be done on an exercise ballmany feel it is more effective than standard crunches. You sit on the ballplace 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 musclesraise your trunk off the ball to about a 30-degree angle. Return to the extended positionrepeat.
Exercise balls are one of the most versatileeffective pieces of fitness equipment relative to their cost. Another low cost equipment alternative is a stretch band. These are
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 stretchingstrengthening musclesis often used with beginnersthose 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 a
the BackAb Machine. Both of these pieces of abdominal exercise equipment have been designed to support the lower backthe neck. They also come with adjustable resistance settings.The Ab Slider, Ab Wheel,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 equipmentread instructions before using.
The quest for six-pack absflat stomachs has intensified over the past few years. In response, the fitness industry has resurrected some old, faithful exercises, developed newimproved versions,even created equipment specifically to target abdominal muscles. Combine these top abdominal exercises with an overall exercise routinea healthy diet,chances are you will loose the flabhave 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
, your complete guide to thebest home fitness equipment. Find out where to shop for thebest recumbent exercise bikes,ab machinesweight training equipment for your Home gym.
Copyright 2005 Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment
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