Abdominal exercises for women and men are a hot topic these days. TV and magazines are full of commercials touting the benefits of ab exercise machines. They promise that “with just a few minutes a day” your abs will look like the model’s abs in the ad. But do they provide the best abdominal workout and do they really live up to their claims? Popular Mechanics recently ran a feature article examining some of the more popular models you can order. They tested seven different machines for a period of two months and came up with some startling results.
AB Machines Tested:
Six of the seven machines used in the Popular Mechanics test had a very similar design (they are the Ab Coach, Ab Roller Plus, Ab Sculptor, Ab Toner, Body Shaping Ab Blaster Plus, and Weider Ab Shaper.) They’re noticeably lighter . Rely on a backward-forward rocking motion to build up, and work the abdominal muscles. The only exception to this type of ab machine was one manufactured by Nordic Tracks called Ab Works. It is a relatively heavy piece of equipment which uses the ‘reverse crunch’ principle to operate. Instead of lifting the upper body like a normal crunch exercise, the reverse crunch raises the knees to the chest while keeping the upper body relaxed.
do they work?
The bottom line is yes – ab machines work, but maybe not as well as they claim. They’ll definitely tighten and strengthen your abdominal muscles, but not to the point of being really noticeable (unless you’re very thin to begin with. They likewise reduce the fat around your belly). won’t do much to do. A study released by the American Council on Exercise also confirmed this. The study states that the machines don’t really perform as well as standard crunch exercises. On the plus side ab machines provide more support to your body and can reduce stress on your neck and upper back. They also make crunches a little easier, which is a benefit for those just starting to exercise.
conclusion:
If you’ve already purchased one of these machines, just stick with the recommended program. However to see results you will need to do regular aerobic exercise such as running or (brisk) walking to help burn fat and lose weight.
You will probably also need to diet to reduce your calorie intake. Remember that ab exercises alone won’t accomplish much in helping you lose weight.
If you don’t have access to an ab exercise machine, there are many effective exercises you can use to reduce your belly. The link in the author bio at the bottom of this article will take you to a good web page on the best abdominal exercise workouts.
If you want to read more about Popular Mechanics study of ab exercise machines you can find them on their website www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/1283171.html
Source by Michael Stapenhurst
