When done properly, abdominal crunches are an effective, pain-free way of working your abs. But some exercisers still complain about back strain and neck pain while doing crunches, and exercise-equipment manufacturers leap at any opportunity to sell you something that might reduce the pain. Unfortunately, not all abdominal exercise equipment measures up to the task -- but a few machines stand out from the rest with high ratings and positive recommendations.
Ab Roller
If you just can't get your ab form quite right, the Ab Roller helps guide you through the appropriate range of motion. The unit's U-shaped frame rolls with you, supporting your head and neck, and giving you something to grip so you don't pull on your neck with your hands -- a common error when doing crunches. A 2001 study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise and conducted by Peter Francis, Ph.D. and Jennifer Davis, M.A. at the San Diego State University Biomechanics Lab ranked the Ab Roller as roughly equal to regular crunches in terms of activity in the rectus abdominus and obliques. In other words, you get the neck support and form guidance without reducing the benefit of the exercise. But watch out for Ab Rollers with a so-called "assist spring," which can reduce the benefit of your crunches by making each repetition easier.
Torso Track
In the same 2001 ACE-commissioned study, researchers discovered that the Torso Track stimulated a statistically significant greater amount of muscle activity in the rectus abdominus and obliques, compared with ordinary crunches and the Ab Roller. With the Torso Track, you kneel on a kneepad and grip a handle mounted on a straight track. You then roll the handle down and up the track, keeping your body straight the whole while. Although the Torso Track rated very well in terms of muscle activity, many test subjects reported lower-back discomfort as a result of using this machine. If you feel discomfort when using this machine, you should consider other abdominal exercise equipment.
NordicTrack Ab Works
A product comparison by "Popular Mechanics" highly recommends the Ab Works as the "Cadillac of ab machines." This machine resembles a weight bench laid flat on the ground, with handles protruding up from the head end and a leg support at the other end. Both ends of the bench hinge to provide head and back support during crunches, reverse crunches and oblique crunches.You can also manually adjust the unit's leverage-based resistance system between several settings.
Weider Ab Shaper
The Weider Ab Shaper resembles a cross between the NordicTrack Ab Works and the Ab Roller. The Ab Shaper has a U-shaped Ab-Roller-style frame that rolls with you as you crunch. But the mat, which attaches to the top of the Ab Shaper frame and bends with you to support your upper back, more closely resembles the support platform on the NordicTrack Ab Works. The "Popular Mechanics" comparison rated this product as "Highly Recommended," and praises it for durable, sturdy construction.
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