Your abdominals consist of four groups of muscles -- the rectus abdominus, transverse abdominus, and the internal and external obliques. Exercise equipment that targets the abdominal muscles should enable you to work each one of these muscle groups, either as a whole or in isolation. Keep in mind that you don't have to spend a lot of money on equipment to work your abs -- some of the most effective equipment is the least expensive.
Gym Abdominal Equipment
Many gyms and fitness centers offer specialized weight equipment designed to work the abs. You can choose from selectorized circuit equipment like the rotational torso machine, which targets the obliques, and the captain's chair, a piece of equipment that targets the transverse abdominus and rectus abdominus. Other abdominal equipment you'll likely find at a gym includes decline benches and circuit equipment designed to perform a weighted crunch.
Infomercial Equipment
Almost every year, at least one new piece of abdominal equipment hits the infomercial circuit, guaranteeing tight, taut abs in just minutes a day. According to the American Council on Exercise, these machines often cost a pretty penny but usually don't work the abs any better than the basic exercises you can perform without equipment, like situps and crunches. If infomercial equipment motivates you to exercise regularly, then it might be worth the investment, but it's probably not going to do a better job of targeting your abs.
Stability Equipment
Stability balls offer an inexpensive way to work your abs at home. These large, inflatable balls allow you to mix up your workout, adding moves like the stability ball pikes and knee tucks suggested by the American Council on Exercise. You can also challenge your balance while performing the basic situp. If you want to strengthen your abs and improve posture at work, consider using a stability ball as an office chair. The website Spine-Health notes that balls can be used as an ergonomic option that keeps your core muscles engaged in "active sitting."
Other stability equipment like BOSU balls -- a half stability ball with a hard platform on one side -- and stability disks let you work your abs while also improving your balance. You can perform either sitting or standing exercises on these pieces of equipment.
Other Items
An easy way to change up your abdominal workout is to use free weights as a means to challenge basic abdominal movements. You can choose between equipment like plate weights, dumbbells, kettlebells and medicine balls. You can either place the weight across your abdomen as you perform situps, crunches and reverse crunches, or you can hold it in your hands as you bend and twist, targeting your obliques.
You can also purchase or download exercise videos targeted to the abdominals as an effective means for working your abs. These tools take the guesswork out of your ab routine, ensuring that you work hard while using proper form.
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