The Best Fitness Semi-Recumbent Ab Bench is made by Body-Solid, an exercise equipment manufacturer that makes exercise equipment for the home and commercial gyms. This ab bench is made for home use. The machine's design is purported to target your ab muscles for a more effective workout, according to Body-Solid. You will need to assemble this ab bench when you bring it home.
Seat Angle
The Best Fitness Ab Bench has a 45-degree seat angle, and is designed primarily for toning and tightening your abs. You have the option to move it an additional 5 to 10 degrees. The seat design is meant to improve comfort while you work your abdominals and to accommodate users of varying sizes, according to product information.
Exercises
Two primary types of exercises are intended to be performed on the Best Fitness Semi-Recumbent Ab Bench; the ab crunch and knee raises. Perform the crunch by gripping overhead handles and contracting your abs to pull your upper body down. Place your back against an upper pad that offers support. A weight post attaches to this portion of the unit to add resistance. To perform knee raises on this bench, place your feet under the adjustable-length foot bar. A weighted post provides resistance.
Specifications
The Best Fitness Semi-Recumbent Ab Bench has a 1.75-inch thick seat. The assembled size is 64 inches in length, 22 inches in width and 46 inches in height. The machine has safety pins and bolts that allow for either easy disassembly or permanent set-up, according to Body-Solid.
Expert Insight
Body-Solid advises that the bench's unique design will allow you to isolate your upper and lower abs for more effective and targeted workouts. However, Jessica Matthews, the certification director and media spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise, advises that it's not possible to create a contraction in just your upper or lower abs. That's because your rectus abdominis is one large muscle group, not two. The best overall abdominal exercise -- the bicycle crunch -- actually requires no workout equipment, according to the council. You lay on the floor with your knees bent to 45-degrees, then slowly mimic a bicycling motion. You touch your opposite elbow and knee as you "pedal," thus your left elbow goes to your right knee and your right elbow to your left knee.
References
- Body-Solid: Best Fitness Semi-Recumbent Ab Bench
- Body-Solid: Best Fitness Semi-Recumbent Ab Bench Product Info
- Body-Solid: Best Fitness Semi-Recumbent Ab Bench Tech Specs
- Body-Solid: BF AB20 Owner's Manual
- American Council on Exercise: "Should I Train my Abdominals Every Day?"; Jessica Matthews
- American Council on Exercise: "New Study Puts the Crunch on Ineffective Ab Exercises"; Mark Anders
Member Comments