The abdominal muscles are commonly referred to as the "core." But in actuality, the core consists of the lower abs, upper abs, obliques and lower back. Exercises for the abs often involve all of these areas and there are specific machines that can be used to target them.
Significance
The abs are the center point of the body. It is at this location that you generate a lot of power when you are doing athletic motions like throwing and jumping. The abs are also called into play during daily movements, like getting up from a lying position, placing groceries in a trunk and picking up a baby.
Function
Ab exercise machines are designed to increase the strength of the abs and improve their appearance. They are also used for corrective purposes if there happens to be muscle imbalances, weakness or postural distortions in the hip and lower back area.
Upper Abs
Ab crunch machines target the upper abs. They have seats on them and handles that you hold on to on the sides of your head. Your hook your legs under a padded support and the seat height is adjustable. When you use the machine, you crunch your body downward while your back is flat against a padded backrest. These machines also come in a lying down style. With this machine, your legs rest on top of a support and there is a padded bench that you lie on. This bench pivots at the upper back area which allows you to perform crunches. Like the upright machine, there are handles by your ears to hold on to. Both of these machines can be used to target the obliques by turning your lower body sideways when you use them.
Obliques
A torso rotation machine specifically targets the oblique muscles. To use this machine, you kneel on a padded table that rotates to the right and left. You hold on to two handles and brace your chest against a pad. Once you get into this position, you twist your lower body to move the table from side to side.
Captain's Chair
A captain's chair is a machine that enables you to work your lower abs or obliques. It has a backrest and flat, padded supports to place your arms. You hold on to handles as your lower body hangs down toward the ground. You then draw your knees up towards your body in a straight or angled fashion.
Roman Chair
A Roman chair is a machine that you use to work your lower back. You place your lower legs and hips against padded supports and then lower your upper body down towards the ground by folding at the hips. You then lift your body back up by engaging your lower back muscles.
Benefits
When you do ab exercises on the floor, you run the risk of having bad form, which can lead to muscle imbalances and pain in your lower back. When used correctly, ab exercise machines can hold your body in proper alignment and reduce your chances of injury.
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