Exercise Equipment:
Choosing an Effective Machine to Work Out Your Abs
by Ainuddin Mohamad
Yet which machine should you choose? How do you know
if it will be effective, or if it is simply just another fad
designed to reduce the weight of your wallet rather than your
waistline? Here are some tried and true machines that are
effective as well as reasonably...
You have exercised, eaten right, and still your abs are not what you want them
to be. You finally acknowledge what in your heart have already known for a
while; it is time to get out the big guns. The exercises you have been doing are
all good and well, but if you want to finally work out your abs to their fullest
potential you will need to invest in exercise equipment that will help you do
the job.
Yet which machine should you choose? How do you know if it will be effective, or
if it is simply just another fad designed to reduce the weight of your wallet
rather than your waistline? Here are some tried and true machines that are
effective as well as reasonably priced.
Probably the most famous piece of equipment for working out your abs is the “Ab
Slide” which comes with a little exercise mat to rest your knees on. The idea is
to slide forward and back with the slide, while relying on your abs to do the
majority of the work. While you are training, you will also work on the muscles
in your arms and back. As you get more comfortable with the equipment and your
strength, you will be able to slide out further, resulting in a more intense
workout. One of the greatest benefits of this little gadget is its portability.
It is small enough to fit in a box in your closet when not in use, and will not
take up a large chunk of your bedroom.
The predecessor of the “Ab Slide” was the exercise wheel. If you choose to go
this route, be sure to purchase one that will work on carpeted as well as smooth
surface floors, since some of the older models will not work well on tile or
hardwood floors.
Another machine that is well known is the AbEx, sometimes referred to as the “ab-roller.”
Targeting not only the lower abs and upper abs but also the oblique muscles,
this machine encourages leg lifts powered by the abdominal muscles. Because the
head is resting and the arms are holding on to the sides of the machine, you are
less likely to pull your muscles when getting tired and your form is starting to
get sloppy.
If you are absolutely dedicated to getting your abs in shape, and if you have
the money and the space to store it, then an adjustable exercise bench will
probably be a wonderful way to go. It easily grows with your increasing strength
and can be adjusted for added resistance to further your workouts.
If you are dedicated but do not wish to have a lot of bulky equipment in your
home, you may wish to consider purchasing the “Ab Revolutionizer” which works
your abs when doing crunches. What adds another benefit to this machine is the
fact that you will be able to also do sit-ups which have long since been known
to work your abs for all their worth.
As you can see, machines that will provide you with an adequate ab workout are
plentiful and come in a large variety of price ranges. Before you buy, however,
it is best to ascertain which model will suit you best, since a machine’s
effectiveness is determined directly by your willingness and ability to use it.
To this end, consider these questions before parting with your hard earned
money:
How many different exercise routines will you be able to perform with any given
machine? If you are easily bored with exercise, you will want to choose a
machine that will permit you to vary your exercise regimen.
Will you be able to store the machine? There is nothing worse than having
another towel rack in the bathroom, this one in the form of an exercise machine.
If storage is of great concern to you, then it is important that you buy
something small enough, otherwise the machine will either not leave the box at
all, or become banned to the garage…and who wants to sweat to the light of one
lonely, naked light bulb every night?
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
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