NordicTrack's AbWorks is an exercise machine specifically designed to help strengthen and tone your upper, lower and oblique abdomen muscles. It provides more than 15 exercises and a wide range of bodily motions to enhance muscle flexibility. "This is the Cadillac of ab machines, and the high price reflects the quality," writes Popular Mechanics in a 1997 review of the product. "It's capable of doing more than the others." The magazine also gave this piece of fitness equipment its highest rating.
Basic Exercises
Step 1
Lie on the machine with both feet in the rollers. Grasping the handle, use your upper abs to raise your shoulders and to bring your rib cage to your pelvis. Hold the contracted muscles for two seconds, then slowly lower your torso to your original position.
Step 2
Lie on the machine in the reverse crunch position. Place your hands behind your head for support and keep your elbows wide. Do not bend your neck forward. Using the oblique muscles, twist your torso in the direction of the opposite knee. Raise to the crunch position to bring your right shoulder blade from the pad as both knees are drawn to your chest.
Step 3
Lie on the machine. Bend your left leg and place its foot flat on floor. Place your right foot in rollers, perpendicular to the body and your hands behind the head for support. Using the oblique muscles, twist your torso toward the opposite knee. Bring your upper body forward as the right shoulder blade comes from the pad, while drawing the roller-pad assembly to your chest.
Step 4
Lie on the machine in the reverse crunch start position. Place one foot in the rollers and the heel of your other foot in the machine frame. Perform the reverse crunch exercise. Repeat.
Step 5
Lie on the machine with both of your feet in the rollers. Using your ab muscles, pull your knees toward the chest. Hold for two seconds. Slowly lower the roller-pad assembly. Repeat.
Step 6
Lie on the machine in the basic reverse crunch position. Place one foot in the rollers and your other foot flat on the floor. Perform the reverse crunch exercise. Repeat.
Step 7
Lie on the machine in the basic crunch position with both your feet in the rollers. Perform the crunch exercise. Repeat.
Step 8
Lie on the machine in the basic crunch position, with one leg straight up toward the ceiling and its knee slightly bent. Place your other foot in the rollers. Perform the crunch exercise. Repeat.
Tips and Warnings
- AbWorks folds easily and stores comfortably beneath a bed.
- Start AbWorks exercises slowly. Don't rush or overdo them. Ease into the program.
Things You'll Need
- NordicTrack AbWorks machine
- Comfortable workout clothing
- Athletic shoes
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