The Best Ab Machines On The Market

When searching for the best abdominal exercise machines available, the key is finding machines that appropriately target the three main sections of the abdominal muscle group and are relatively easy to use. It doesn't matter whether the machines use free weight plates or stacked weights, as long as the appropriate muscles are effectively trained.

Abdominal Crunch Machines

To effectively target the upper abdominal muscles, abdominal crunch machines do the job quite nicely. Most versions of the machine have the same basic set up for appropriate use. Start by sitting on the machine bench with your feet secured behind the foot pads to stabilize your lower body. Reach over your head to grasp the upper handlebars that are attached to the resistance. As you contract your upper abdominal muscles, your shoulders will move forward six to eight inches. Make sure, as you are contracting your abs to move the weight, that you are not pulling forward with your arms or shoulders. Let your abs do all of the work.

Abdominal Oblique Crunch Machines

There are a few types of abdominal machines that target the abdominal obliques, or sides of the abdominal muscle group. The oblique machines use rotation of the torso to effectively target the abdominal obliques. Start by sitting on the machine seat, with your feet secured behind the foot pads. Grasp the handlebars that are located at your sides. Twist your upper body by rotating at your obliques, However, as you twist, make sure your are not moving the machine handles by twisting at your arms or shoulders. Allow your abdominal obliques to do all of the work.

Lower Abdominal Leg Raise Machines

There are not a lot of machines that target the lower abdominal muscles other than the chin/dip machine. Although primarily used to train the chest and arms, by facing away from the machine and utilizing certain leg movements, the lower abs are called into action. Start by standing on the foot pads, with your back pressed firmly against the back pad and your forearms resting on the arm pads. Step off the foot pads to force your forearms to support you body weight. While keeping your upper body stable against the back pad, raise both knees up towards your chest to activate your lower abs. Briefly pause before slowly returning to the starting position, with your feet hanging off the floor. Repeat the movement for 10 to 12 repetitions over two to three sets. As a variation, you can raise one knee at a time, rather than both at the same time, to achieve the same results.