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There are a lot of different machines for targeting the abs on the market today.
Here´s the deal:
Some of them are very effective and some are just over hyped.
Here are the 5 best ab machines that give results.
They all have great user reviews, and a design that really works.
Each is appropriate for users with different athletic abilities, fitness experiences, and body types.
Ab Coaster CS1500
The secret to toning and strengthening the abdominal muscles is envisioning the rib cage travelling to meet the pelvic bone.
A very specific line of contraction is needed to build and tone these muscles. The Ab Coaster CS1500, when used correctly, achieves this motion.
It is an expensive piece of equipment that you can find in many world class gyms, but it gives great results.
Features:
– roller track that fully extends and contracts the core
– arm supports to isolate all motion in the lower torso
– kneeling pad for stability and positioning
– hand grips to keep the body upright
– bars for added and balanced resistance
How Does It Work?
While the upper body is tense and in place, the lower body moves along a graduated track. In order to move the kneeling plate, the abdominal muscles must pull the legs toward the rib cage.
This innovative design prevents overexertion of the small muscles in the lower back, and maximizes the natural movements of core muscles.
This way you get a simple motion that effectively isolates the ab muscles.
Good For All Fitness Levels
Unlike some of the other ab machines, like the Ab Carver Pro and the Ab Roller Evolution, this machine works for all fitness levels.
It is great for beginners as well as professionals but you need to make sure that you do the exercise right. Only the stomach muscles should pull the legs, do not use the arms or elbows!
How Does It Differ From The Other Ab Machines?
What this machine does better than the others is that it really isolates the abs, which gives maximized results. It does however carry a large price tag.
Once the motion of the Ab Coaster CS1500 is mastered, most people will find that it targets the core like no other machine can.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Ab-Doer Twist Abdominal Trainer
One of the overlying principals of complete core training is flexibility. Spinal and hip flexibility allows anyone to fully activate the complex muscle and tendon connections in the torso.
The more angles through which the abdominals can be worked, the more sculpted they will appear.
This is where the Ab-doer shines!
Features:
– spinal tracer for mimicking and supporting the motions of a healthy back
– swivel seat for added angular dimensions to a core workout
– wide arm supports
– consistent resistance at all angles
– informative DVD trainer course
How Does It Differ From Other Ab Machines?
The Ab-Doer is actually pretty fun and a moderately-intense resistance chair that works with the natural bends and motions of the body.
Its advantage compared to other ab machines is its flexibility that helps you train muscles that are hard to reach with normal ab training, and this can give great results.
It triggers muscles and sculpting through the freedom of movement but if spinal flexibility is a concern this is probably not for you.
Though the support and ROM is greater than most machines, the potential for over-extension might be a concern.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro
This is a next generation take on a standard piece of home or gym abdominal equipment.
It is built on the idea that in order to become more sculpted, the entire abdominal complex must stretch and contract under ultimate tension.
In a prone position (like a push-up), the user grips the handles and allows the device to move forward. In order to return to a neutral starting position, the abs and other muscles must pull the wheel toward the body.
How Does This Differ From Other Ab Rollers?
– soft-grip and contoured handles
– wheel tracks that keep the device centered
– a digital readout of repetitions
– carbon steel spring controlling the speed of each roll.
Better For Fit People
The Ab Carver Pro is very effective, but it takes a lot of strength to use properly.
It doesn’t only require abdominal strength, but shoulder and arm strength as well.
The body must remain in a power position at all times in order to use this wheel effectively.
Fit people will get a great ab workout, but people with rotator cuff, and elbow or wrist problems will have difficulty using it.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Ab Roller Evolution
Many people avoid regular crunch and sit-up style exercises because they don’t like the pressure that is forced upon the neck or back.
This crunch-assisting frame is perfect for relieving that tension.
Features:
– padded neck rest
– comfortable grip positions
– balanced pegs for adding weight
– simple, straightforward design.
This is actually a really good ab machine since it isolates the abdominal muscles.
It does however require the user to be on the floor. People who have a hard time getting to, and off of the floor might not like it.
Remember To Use Correctly
This ab “rocker” is considered an intermediate device because it requires some knowledge of effective ab training.
It is very easy to make the mistake to use the strength of the arms to rock the machine instead of using the abdominal muscles.
The option for added weight resistance is a good feature for semi-fit people.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Perfect Situp
This is an excellent beginner’s tool for learning the proper form and range of motion (ROM) for exercises that work the abdominals.
Features:
– sturdy foot placement molds
– a wide and comfortable back pad
– neck support
– soft-grip arm positioning handles
– unique “clicking” features
Great For Beginners
The click feature is triggered when the body has curled enough to produce muscle tension.
This is a actually a wonderful feature that trains beginners to learn their specific range of motion for each repetition.
Larger bodies may not be comfortable in it.
It requires the ability to flex at the knee joint and perform a standard situp to activate the patented click-and-return feature.
For average bodies, this is a great machine for performing effective situps.
>>> See Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
When you are trying to choose an ab machine you really need to consider your own athletic ability first.
This includes spinal and hip flexibility, overall core strength, skeletal problems of the neck and shoulders, and previous ab training experience.
With the right ab machine for your body you will get toned, sculpted, and strong abs.
Jesse Young
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Hey cool. Thanks for the great info. I was actually wondering if the Ab Roller would be worth the investment.. There’s some other fitness equipment I want to consider, but I’ll keep my eye on it. I just want to make sure I’m not buying something that a gimmick. Thanks for the helpful reviews.