The Ab Isolator is an older ab device endorsed by Tony Little and manufactured by Fitness Quest, which makes other popular exercise products such as the Gazelle glider. Fitness Quest originally introduced the Ab Isolator to the market in the early 1990s. This product isn't available new anymore, although you may find used devices on auction sites or garage sales.
The Device
The Ab Isolator is an adjustable band with handles at both ends. The bottom end is the foot stabilizer and the top end is the leg-stabilizer bar, which has foam padding. The foot stabilizer consists of a padded bar with a strap over the top. You slide your feet between the bar and the strap. The Ab Isolator is small and portable. It is 27 inches long and weighs 1 lb. The ends are 19 inches wide and the strap is 2 inches wide.
Function
Sit on the floor or a mat. Slip your feet into the foot stabilizer with the bar against the arch of your foot. Push your feet against the floor, securing the Ab Isolator in place. Pull the leg stabilizer over your knees. The bar sits against the front of your thighs. Adjust the strap until it is taut. Lie back and put your hands across your chest. Crunch up and pull your shoulder blades off the mat but keep your low back against the mat.
The Claims
Fitness Quest claims that the Ab Isolator neutralizes your hip flexors and isolates your abdominal muscles, providing a more effective way to work your abs. The "Super Abs Resource Manual" published by the University of New Mexico, reports that performing crunches with bent knees does reduce hip-flexor activity. However, the manual recommends performing bent-knee crunches without any leg support or anchor as the best way to maximize ab activity and minimize hip-flexor activity.
Exercises
In addition to a basic crunch, which targets the main ab muscles -- or rectus abdominis -- you can do other exercises on the Ab Isolator that target the side and lower ab muscles. Twist your shoulder toward the opposite knee as you crunch up to target your obliques or side abs. Pull your knees toward your chest to target your lower abs. Tony Little has a workout video featuring all the exercises you can do with the Ab Isolator.
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