Abdominal Exercise Equipment For People Who Hate To Exercise

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment or a gym membership to get your abs into shape. A few simple, inexpensive pieces of equipment will do the trick, from stability balls to resistance bands. You can even get a good workout in for your abs with no equipment at all.

Stability Balls

Of the 13 most common abdominal exercises, stability ball crunches are arguably the best overall, according to a 2001 study by the Biomechanics Lab at San Diego State University, or SDSU. The exercise beat out other popular small pieces of exercise equipment such as the Torso Track, which came in at number 5; the Ab Roller, which came in at number 9; and the Ab Rocker, which came in last at number 13. Also known as fitness, exercise or Swiss balls, these exercise enhancers must be the right size for you. Choose the size based on your height, keeping in mind that larger balls have a higher price. Stability balls, for the most part, are inexpensive, and in 2011, you can buy a premium-grade ball for less than $40.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands, or tubes, are lightweight and small. Unlike a fitness ball, they are portable. Also known as exercise bands, they offer a resistance similar to using weights and come in several different resistance levels. Lighter-colored, longer bands provide less resistance, while darker, shorter bands provide more. You can perform several abdominal exercises with the bands, including reverse crunches, torso twists, and side bends. Exercise bands are available as singles for between $5 and $15 in 2011, and the more resistant in the band, the higher the price. You can also buy them in sets of several bands, ranging from lighter to stronger resistance, for less than $50. More expensive brands are available, but if you hate exercise, stick with those that are budget-friendly.

Dumbbells

You may think that dumbbells are for working the arms, but they can help you tone your abs too. Like resistance bands, they are small, portable and come in a variety of sizes. When you are ready, you can easily combine dumbbell and stability ball ab exercise. You don’t need to use too much weight to work your abs, though, especially if you have not exercised them with resistance before. Start with 2 pound weights and work your way up to 5 pounds. In 2011, a set of two dumbbells comes with price tags from under $5 to under $20, depending on the weight.

Your Body

The most portable and self-contained exercise equipment, even if you hate to exercise, is your body. In fact, the SDSU study, commissioned by the American Council on Exercise, rated the bicycle maneuver as the number 1 most effective ab exercise. Leg lifts, reverse crunches and almost any core-strengthening exercise you do will also benefit your abdominal muscles. The best part about considering your body as abdomen-exercising equipment is the price -- free.