The cable crunch is an abdominal training exercise that is performed using weighted resistance from the lat machine or cable machine. Bodybuilding.com notes that the cable crunch is an isolation exercise, meaning it isolates the abdominals. The...
While crunches can be done on the floor, abdominal machines offer variety and challenge. Ab machines also provide support and guidance to ensure the crunch is being executed correctly. Nevertheless, ab machines carry a risk of injury, particularly...
The belly has a large muscle that goes from the pelvis to the sternum called the rectus abdominis. On the sides of the stomach, there are diagonal-shaped muscles called the obliques. In order to see these muscles, you must burn the fat that covers...
Fitness machines come in many shapes and sizes and they work every part of the body. Ab machines in particular are a very popular variety. The abs themselves consist of the upper abs, lower abs and obliques, which are located on the sides of the...
While working your abdominal muscles won't necessarily burn belly fat, according to the Mayo Clinic, ab exercises will strengthen and tone the muscles to make your waist appear tighter. Incorporate weight to your ab routine by exercising with the...
Walking into a gym full of dumbbells, barbells, racks and machines can be intimidating. While many weight machines reduce your risk of injury, are simple and straightforward to use and save you time at the gym, others offer very few benefits while...
Working your core abdominal muscles can improve your balance and posture, relieve back pain while reducing your risk of lower back injury and improve your performance in other physical activities. With all the ab equipment options available,...
Strengthening your abdominal muscles can help prevent and relieve lower back pain, correct pelvis alignment and improve performance for many physical activities. When performed correctly, machine exercises can help you add resistance to your...
The rectus abdominis, commonly known as the "abs," is a muscle group on the surface of the abdomen that extends from the pelvis to the chest. People often concentrate on their abs in order to flatten their stomach and achieve a six-pack look....
The rectus abdominis and obliques make up the abdominal muscles. These muscles function as one entire unit when you perform exercises. However, you can still place emphasis on certain locations by changing your body position. When your goal is to...
The abdominal muscles generate a lot of power needed to do things like leap, throw, dive, twist and get up from the ground. The abdominals consist of the upper abs, lower abs and the obliques, which are found on the sides of the ribcage. You can...
The gym is a place to work out and socialize, and it also offers numerous exercise machines for you to choose from. If you're like many people, you may find the machines intimidating and confusing. It is sometimes hard to tell which machines are...
Assortments of exercises such as abdominal crunches and running help develop the muscles needed to play football and are useful in preparing players for the rigors of the game. Whether you're a lineman who battles in the trenches or a wide...
Conventional crunches and sit-ups work the rectus abdominis, which is the large muscle in the stomach. Exercises like these work out perfectly when you are home or away on vacation and want to keep your midsection toned. However, when you are at...
Creating a well-defined waistline is the hallmark of the male physique. This takes discipline and consistent effort, but it does not need to be difficult. Using the weight of the body is effective, but by using weights, you have extra resistance...
For guys who want to a well-defined six-pack, traditional situps in your home may not be enough. Your gym has equipment that can amplify your ab workouts including ab machines, the power wheel and large exercise balls. A six-pack requires a very...
Working the belly is one thing, but getting results is another. You need to be very precise and disciplined with your workouts to get the greatest return on your time investment. Resorting to the use of a machine is often the best approach to take...
Working out your abdominal muscles is key to having a strong, healthy core. Doing so also can improve your appearance, as you may want to impress others on the beach when summer comes around. Make use of the abdominal machines at your gym or...
Vertical knee raises require you to crunch while your legs are suspended and your torso is in an upright position. This makes the exercises particularly difficult because you have to work against the weight of your lower body. Your upper body gets...
Images of a firmer, tighter stomach may be what is motivating you to hit the gym, but before you hop on that ab crunch machine, consider which of the ab muscles you truly want to work. Ab machines and crunches in general will work the rectus...
When it comes to obtaining a flat stomach, spot reduction is not possible. Although you might be led to believe otherwise by infomercial hosts, you cannot reduce stomach fat by doing a particular exercise over and over again. However, you can tone...
You can usually find ab machines, such as an ab crunch machine, at most gyms near other weightlifting equipment. Often gyms will have more than one type of abdominal machine so that you can work different muscles in your abs. Abdominal machines...
You're likely familiar with the popular ab crunch machine where you lie down and crunch up against the arm pads of the machine. It is almost impossible not to cheat and use your arms with this machine. But this is by no means the end of options...
The best gym exercises are designed to build muscle in your body as well as help you reduce weight and increase your cardiovascular health. While the best gym exercises directly depend on your specific fitness goals, several general gym exercises...
Exercises performed with gym machines can offer muscle isolation, energy conservation, increased range of motion and the ability to do more repetitions of better quality than freestyle, according to professional bodybuilder Mike Matarazzo. Proper...
A machine workout routine provides an alternative if you prefer not to use barbells or dumbbells. You may need a training partner to spot or assist you if you use heavy free weights. Machines enable you to train safely with heavy weights if you...
A lot of people know where their six-pack muscle is, but not what it's called or what it does. Knowing the name rectus abdominis will help you identify exercises that work toward a six-pack. More important, understanding that the rectus abdominis...
Crunches are usually the gold standard for ab exercises. They are typically easy and engage the upper and lower abdominal muscles to help you get an effective ab workout. But if you're doing ab exercises incorrectly, you may experience back pain...
When the long sciatic nerve in the posterior side of the body becomes irritated or compressed due to a slipped or degenerative disk, tingling sensations, numbness and weakness is felt down the back of the leg. To help treat this condition, known...
Learn how to stretch for increased flexibility & improve your golf swing in this free video on how to play golf, with tips, lessons & instruction.
