Hobby

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?