Ab lounges, stomach firmers and crunch machines are advertised to make you believe you won't get tight abdominal muscles without a fancy piece of equipment. This isn't the case, although some highly advertised equipment can be effective. According to research at the Biomechanics Lab at San Diego State University, the top rated abdominal exercise equipment targets both your main abdominal muscle and the muscles on the sides.
Exercise Ball
Exercise balls, also known as fitness balls, help you target your midsection while also helping you develop a greater sense of balance. To do a crunch with an exercise ball, sit on it with your feet on the ground and slide down it until your back is resting on the ball. In this position your thighs and torso should be parallel with the ground below. Tighten your abs and lift your torso to a 45-degree angle, then inhale as you lower back down. Go lower than 45 degrees if you're new to abdominal workouts and move your feet closer together to increase the challenge for your side muscles. Repeat 12 to 15 times, rest and repeat another one to two sets.
Captain's Chair
The captain's chair is among the highest-ranked pieces of abdominal exercise equipment, causing 112 percent more activity in your rectus abdominis than the traditional crunch does and causing 210 percent more activity in the side muscles, according to the San Diego State University study. Begin with your hands gripping the handles and gently press your low back against the back pad on the equipment. Let your legs dangle, then gradually draw your knees up until they are near your chest. Slowly return them to dangling. Do two or three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions.
Exercise Bands
Utilizing exercise bands can boost many traditional abdominal exercises by adding extra resistance. To do a side plank with a resistance band, stand in the middle of the band with your feet hip-width apart, cross the band twice in front of your body and hold one handle in each hand by your side. While still holding the tube in the same position, get down into push-up position, shift your weight onto your right hand and rotate your extended left arm toward the ceiling. Keep your abs tightened and avoid bending your torso. Hold for the count of one to three, return to the push-up position and repeat 16 times using alternating arms.
Foam Roller
Foam rollers can boost many abdominal exercises by helping you build up your body awareness, balance and muscular flexibility. To engage your abs with leg lifts on a foam roller, lie face-up with the roller straight down the length of your spine, your head also supported on it and your knees bent up with your feet flat on the ground. Keep your shoulders in a relaxed position and allow your shoulder blades to pull down around the roller. Place your arms down at your sides and slowly lift your right leg about 10 to 15 inches, lower it down and repeat the same with your left leg. Repeat 10 times and do two to three sets.
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