Reliable Abdominal Workout Machines

There are dozens of possible abdominal exercises and, as the ACE Fitness website notes, some are more effective than others. If you have a gym membership, you can utilize machines to work your abs. It is important to do a varied ab workout, which will work both the upper and lower rectus abdominus, the central ab muscle, and the obliques.

Captain's Chair

This exercise is considered one of the most effective of all, according to ACE Fitness. Rest back in the machine, ensuring that your back is straight. Lock your arms at 90 degree angles on the supports and let them take your full body weight. Do not slouch. To perform the exercise, raise your knees toward your chest and then back down again. Feel the clench in your lower abs in particular.

Torso Twist

The torso twist machine will work your oblique abs. Kneel on the pads and adjust the machine so that you can firmly grasp the handles. Select the weight resistance that you want. To perform the exercise, twist your hips left and hold it, feeling the resistance of the weight trying to pull the machine back. Then reverse and do the right side. This machine also comes in a seated variation, but the exercise is performed in the same way.

Cable Crunches

Using a cable machine, kneel down while holding the double-end rope extension. Adjust the weight accordingly. Hold the extension behind your head with your head bowed downwards, as if for the chopping block. To perform the exercise, bow down until your head almost touches the floor in front of your knees, pulling the weight down with you, as the ShapeFit website shows. A link is in the Resources section. Feel the crunch in your rectus abdominus.

Lever Seated Hip Raise

The lever seated hip raise machine will work the full length of the rectus abdominus muscles. Sit in the machine and adjust the weight accordingly. Grasp the overhead grip so that your elbows are at a 90 degree angle. The leg support should rest in the arch between the top of your foot and your shin. To perform the exercise, simply pull the overhead grips down and simultaneously push up with your legs. Feel the crunch in your midsection.