Choosing the perfect abs exerciser
When you're working toward that perfect set of abs, you should educate yourself on your options in abs exercisers. The range is wide, from using no or minimal equipment to using full-size Nautilus equipment. Depending on your needs, one or a combination of these will be your perfect abs exerciser.
Abs Workouts Without Equipment
Pilates, developed in the early 20th century by a professional dancer, is designed to tone the core of your body and is perfect for working out your ab. Pilates uses the natural tension of your own muscles to tone them, and consists primarily of stretching-style exercises performed on a mat, either with no additional equipment or with very simple equipment like medicine balls or tension ropes. If you have the patience and discipline to learn how to do it properly, Pilates is inexpensive and excellent as an abs exerciser.
Abs Workouts With Simple Equipment
Other abs workouts use very simple ab equipment, like lap-held crunch machines or the Abs Roller. The Abs Roller is a fairly simple mechanical bar system, and when you use it properly it looks as if you're pulling down a roller-coaster safety bar over your head. Using a simple tool like these as your abs exerciser helps you isolate those abdominal muscles you need to work out while not overworking your other muscle groups.
For some, simple ab exercise equipment isn't good enough to help them isolate critical muscle groups. These people may need to go to a full-size abdominal exerciser, the sort that takes up significant space in your house or garage.
Ab Exercise Machines
A full-size ab exercise machine has the drawbacks of costing more money than simple machines, and of taking up a lot of your living space. However, for some people this sort of abs exerciser is critical.
Full-size abs exercisers include a platform or seat for the user, and often also have gadgets at the foot level or arm level that allow different exercises designed for the machine to be performed with ease. Most of these look like stripped-down versions of the Nautilus machines you see down at the gym.
One exception to this is the Ab Lounger exercise machine. This unique device looks a lot like a lawn chair rocker. Its looks are deceptively simple. Based on Pilates techniques, the Ab Lounger uses your body's natural weight and tension to build up abdominal muscle throughout your exercise routine. The Ab Lounger supports your back and bottom throughout the routine, and allows a better than 180 degree extension of your back. This extension allows you to fully exercise those stubborn lower abdominals, something that no other full-size machine can do.
Whatever abs exerciser you choose, you should make sure it does its primary job: tone your midsection. Check Consumer Reports before buying anything. Your full-size abdominal machine may be a significant investment; make sure it's something that you will use before you put the money down to buy it. All ab toners should be chosen with your needs, likes, and budget in mind, so don't let anyone else convince you of what is perfect for you. Only you really know.
. |
