The quest for flat, defined abdominal muscles has inspired the creation of various types of abdominal exercise machines. Some are found at fitness centers. Others are designed for the home fitness market. Research facilities and fitness organizations have sponsored studies that examine the safety and efficiency of these machines. Government agencies have issued warnings to equipment companies whose ads feature unsubstantiated claims. An understanding of how the abdominal muscles work will help you make educated decisions about the best abdominal equipment.
History
The research studies of Ellen Roney Hughes, sports information curator for the Smithsonian Museum, suggest that home exercise abdominal equipment dates back to the 19th century. At a 2002 symposium at the National Museum of American History, Hughes presented a paper titled ""Machines for Better Bodies: Shaping the American." She spoke of a vibrating belt, which could be placed around the abdominal area or other body parts to "shake away the weight."
Function
The 19th century exercise gadgets failed to take into account the function of the abdominal muscles. The rectus abdominus muscle, which is the largest abdominal muscle, is involved in flexion of the upper torso. Len Kravitz, Ph.D., kinesiology professor at the University of New Mexico explains that the internal and external oblique muscles, which make an "x" across the abdominal area, are responsible for sideways bending and rotation of the upper torso. These muscles also assist in moving the rib cage and pelvis towards each other. The transverse abdominal muscles are the deepest layer. They press against the diaphragm during exhalation, and compress the internal organs. Abdominal exercise equipment will only be effective if it performs some or all of these functions.
Types
Most of the abdominal equipment on the market can be divided into specific categories. Some, such as the Ab Lounge, resemble a recliner which enables simultaneous flexion of the upper and lower torso. Others, such as 6 Seconds Abs, enable torso flexion from a seated position, which is supposedly less stressful on the neck. Machines such as the Ab Circle and the Ab Twister provide rotary movement, and equipment like the Ab Slide and the Ab Dolly involve a rolling movement from a prone position.
Expert Insight
The American Council on Exercise is a research body for group fitness instructors. They sponsored a 2001 study which examined the efficiency of different types of abdominal exercise equipment. Dr. Peter Francis and his team conducted the research at the Biomechanics Lab at the San Diego State University. They asked participants to perform various abdominal exercises, which included crunches, body weight exercises and exercises on gym and home exercise abdominal equipment, such as the Torso Track, the Ab Roller and the Ab Rocker. The research team used electromyography (EMG) equipment to evaluate abdominal muscle activity during each exercise. Most of the home exercise machines were less effective than equipment-free exercises, or exercises on the stability ball. The Captain's Chair, however, an upright abdominal machine found at fitness centers, was the most effective type of equipment.
Warning
The Federal Trade Commission is paying close attention to unsubstantiated claims made by the manufacturers of abdominal exercise equipment. In May of 2002, they charged three manufacturers of electronic abdominal exercise belts, which are similar to the 19th century vibrating belts described by Ellen Roney Hughes. The manufacturers claimed that people could lose inches, fat and weight from using their products. The FTC described this as "deceptive marketing practice."
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