Are you dreaming of ripped six packed abs? Or do you simply want to flatten your bulging tummy? Yes, there are a lot of ab exercise equipment to choose from. What to get is usually the more pressing question.
Probably you have seen infomercials and demonstrations on the different ab exercise equipment; but better know this before purchasing one: No matter how great the equipment is, if you keep on guzzling alcohol or eating meals for two, you won’t get rid of that paunch. One of the hardest parts to target is the abdomen. It’s not just about the number of crunches you do a day. It’s also a matter of minding your diet.
Take a quick survey—how many people with “muffin top” or protruding belly do you encounter in the streets? If you don’t want to be part of that number, take a look at this list of ab exercise equipment for your future use.
1. Swiss Ball – This is known by many other names such as exercise ball, medicine ball, or Pilates ball. If you want to target all angles of your abs, this is the equipment to pick. It’s fun albeit challenging to use, but it will surely develop your abdominal muscles to the core. The usual ab crunches will never be the same as doing on the Swiss ball add another dimension to your workout. The balancing act also works your body’s proprioception and stability. You can even incorporate your strength training exercises using this one. The types and number of exercises which you can do are practically endless. Just use your imagination.
2. Ab Roller – The movements are similar to your side and ab crunches. The advantage is that it makes the movement easier for you as it offers head and neck support. No more tugging on the nape. No more painful shoulders. This equipment makes sure that you have the proper abdominal exercise form to the tee.
3. Ab Wheel – Got healthy back? If you have any previous shoulder or back injury, then skip this one. This is for those whose fitness level is between intermediate to expert. In a prone position, you get to do your crunches by holding on to the wheel spokes or handles and moving back and forth. You got to have an instructor with you and a doctor’s clearnace if you intend to start with this.
4. Treadmill – “How does it work the abs?” you might ask. Well, you cannot lose the belly flat just by exercising the abdominal muscles or as they call it “spot training”. You have to lose overall fat first before you see results. When you do run or do fast walking especially when inclined, you are using your core and back muscles to move and stabilize your body. Feel how your abs contract when you do sprints.
5. Ab Trainer – There are many ab trainers out there. Different brands have different added features. In the end, you still have to do the movements. These implement just help you execute them.