One of my friend was thinking about purchasing an ab exercise machine. The website he used was Amazon, but he was rather confused when he saw the large number of results coming up. He does not know how many types of machines are there. So, after browsing the site for some time he did not buy anything.
Yes, for beginners it is a bit hard to pick the right ab workout machine because there are so many types of tools for abdominal training now. Most of the people only know the equipment mentioned on TV.
Within this post, I would like to show you what sorts of ab exercise machines there are and briefly what they are good for.
Benches
Benches are one of the most well-known tools for abs training. There is not a gym without an abdominal bench. They are good both for beginners and advanced trainers. They help to strengthen the core muscles via enhanced sit up exercise. Because of their small size they can be used at home, too. A disadvantage I have to mention is that this fitness equipment encumbers the lower back a bit if the exercise is done improperly. You can read our review of the best 3 abdominal benches here.
Typical bench which helps to do better sit ups
Ab Chairs
I think, these sorts of fitness machines are one of the most comfortable ways to do abdominal workouts. Because of their structure the back is protected. This machine helps to stimulate the crunch via a folding mechanism. You need to use your abs to lift your legs when you use it. This motion stimulates the lower muscles perfectly.
Comfortable and safe – Good for anybody
Wheels
Ab wheels are simple but really effective tools to train muscles. You need to knee down and move the wheel back and forth on the floor. The best benefit is that it not only trains your abdominal muscles, but also your whole upper body. This sort of movement isolates the abs, and it helps to develop lower back. In addition, we must not forget that wheels are easy to use, store and we can take them everywhere simply. I have to say, this is one of may favorite techniques to train my body. I like those tools that force me to use my own weight.
One of my favorite tools for training
Gliders
Gliders come with a special a design which force to stimulate the crunch. The entire movement is controlled by the machine training all the muscles. Besides it trains the shoulders as well as the back.
Generally ab gliders are bigger machines, but they can be used in many ways by changing the settings. They can be used for a whole body work out. But because it is a bigger machine you will need more space for storing and using it.
Designed to make exercises easily
Rollers
Ab rollers are good tools to develop the upper part of your abdominals seriously. The greatest advantage of this tool is that it supports neck and this way it helps to avoid strains. Most of the people feel pain in their neck when they do crunches by using it you can avoid it. I think, it is one of the best tools for women to do core exercise. You can find a great ab roller workout here.
Great way to stimulate upper muscles
Exercise Balls
Well, it is not a typical ab machine, but a ball can be used many ways to do abdominal exercises, as well as other core workouts. It is cheap, and if we use it properly we can achieve good results with it. For some bucks, we can have a ball that we can use many ways to train our full body and make the daily exercises more enjoyable. For instance, I use a ball for crunching and for stretching after I finish my training programs. Here are some really effective exercises you can do with exercise ball.
Lower Back Machines
Training the lower back is very important. It helps to protect your back from different sorts of injuries and to get slimmer hips. Having strong lower back is critical for any kinds of sport. There are some specially built tools for this purpose which help to strengthen back. Since I sit a lot in front of the PC, I always had backache. I started to strengthen. Since then I have no problems. I suggest everybody to do the same if you have similar problems, but always ask your doctor before and start it small.
Others
There are many other sorts of tools and equipment which we can use for training or to burn fat on our stomach. For example, there are belts and muscle toners which can help. However, I have to say I’m not the fan of these tools. I believe we can only have great looking flat abs if we work for it. They may help to reach goals faster, but overall training is the key. For example, I have a thermal belt that I sometimes use, it does not do miracle, but at least it does something while I sit.
Your body is the church where Nature asks to be reverenced.
Marquis de Sade
FAQ
No! There are many very effective bodyweight abdominal exercises you can do without using any equipment. Howver, machines and tools can help a lot to train abdominal muscles more efficiently, so you will get results faster.
It is hard to answer to this question since it depends on what your recent fitness level is, what your aim is and how fast you want to have flat stomach etc. My favorite equipment is the ab bench, the ab slider and the exercise ball.
You may also like:
- Best 3 Sit-Up Benches Compared
- Top Guide For Ab Slide – Why It is so Good!
- Best Ab Roller with Extra Functions
Last updated by Walter at .