If your goal at the gym is a toned core and lean abs, you'll want to make a beeline for the machines that will challenge your abdominal muscles. A stronger core is built with a combination of strength-training and cardiovascular workouts, so choose machines that tone your abs and look for ways to add aerobic activity to your routine. By knowing which machines will get you to a stronger core, you can streamline your workout process for flatter, leaner abs.
Incline Bench
An incline bench is a versatile piece of exercise equipment that you can use for a variety of applications. It's usually a bench that slants to one side and you can adjust the incline according to your level of fitness. The bench also often features leg rollers at one side. When using an incline bench for ab work, situate your body on the bench so your head is closest to the ground and your feet are tucked into the rollers. Doing crunches while on an incline makes them more difficult and more effective.
Reverse Crunch Bar
Some gyms will have a curious-looking upright exercise machine. It has a high backrest with two handlebars that protrude forward from the back of the machine and it doesn't have a seat. This is a reverse crunch machine. To use a reverse crunch machine, stand against the back bar and hold onto the handles by resting your elbows on the horizontal arm rests and grabbing the grips with your hand. The handles are adjustable depending on your height. Once you're in position, you anchor your body using the handles as you raise your feet off of the ground and bring your knees to your chest.
Ab Wheel
An ab wheel is a simple concept that can have huge returns when it comes toning and strengthening your core muscles. The ab wheel has been made and remade in different styles by manufacturers, but it's the same concept of a small wheel with a handle on either side. To use it, kneel on the floor with the wheel in front of you. Grab onto the handles and use the wheel to push your torso forward while your knees remain in place, then roll back to your starting position.
Ab Curler
The ab curler is another piece of equipment that has been redesigned various times, often sold via late-night infomercials. While the concept might seem gimmicky, Popular Mechanics recommends the product. An ab curler helps you maintain proper form when doing crunches, which can be a serious problem. Poor form can lead to neck and back strain with little hope of exercising the abs. The curler is made of curved bars and a headrest in between. You lie your head and neck on the headrest while using the curved bars to push you forward while completing a crunch.
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