The Ab Circle exerciser is a staple on late-night infomercials. This exercise machine uses lateral movements to engage the abdominals; however, the effectiveness of this exercise may not be quite as great as the commercials claim.
Design
The Ab Circle features two handlebars and two knee pads on a circular track. You hold onto the handlebars and swings your hips right-and-left. The knee pads glide on the incline track to engage the abdominal muscles. According to the official Ab Circle website, the machine is manufactured with "gym-quality steel" and it carries a lifetime warranty. The design of this machine is supposed to give your a cardiovascular and abdominal workout in one session.
Muscle Groups Worked
The Ab Circle claims to engage the entire torso. This includes the upper and lower abdominals, external obliques, internal obliques and the traverses abdominis muscles.
Misconceptions
The Ab Circle exercise does engage the abdominals, but to achieve visible abs, you must also engage in a healthy eating, strength training and cardiovascular exercises. Spot reduction, or removing fat from a specific part of the body, is a common fitness myth, and according to the American Council on Exercise to remove excess fat from the abdominals whole-body fitness routine and healthy eating habits must be performed.
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