Exercise Equipment For The Abs

The "six-pack," the muscles seen in the middle of the stomach, are four muscles known as the rectus abdominis. On the sides of the body are the internal and external obliques, and just behind the rectus abdominis are the transverse abdominis. The abdominal muscles are responsible for flexing the trunk, forcing air from the stomach, as well as rotating and flexing the torso. Floor exercises and exercises using specific equipment can be used to train the abdominal muscles.

Stability Balls

The stability ball is a large ball made of PVC and filled with air. Stability balls come in a variety of widths to accommodate people of various heights and weights. The smaller balls are for more petite people and the larger balls are for taller, heavier individuals. Users can sit on a stability ball to perform exercises and they can also place the ball between the knees and ankles for additional movements. The core muscles are challenged when you sit on the stability ball. Using stability balls is easy and manufacturers include instructions for various exercises with purchase. Stability balls are ideal for use at home and they are usually available at your local gym.

Medicine Balls

Medicine balls are balls made of leather, vinyl or PVC. They are filled with materials that absorb impact and weigh 2 to 25 pounds. The medicine ball is used to perform ball passes, body chops or twists to strengthen the abdominal muscles. There are also medicine balls with handles. If you are new to exercising, begin with a lightweight medicine ball and progress to a heavier ball as your strength improves. Medicine balls are fairly small, making them ideal for use at home. They can be found at your local gym also, usually in several weights.

Bosu Ball

The Bosu ball looks like a half dome, with one flat side. In addition to working the muscles of the core from various angles and in various ways, the Bosu ball is a great piece of equipment for overall muscle strengthening. You can stand on either the flat or the domed side to perform traditional exercises. When the dome side is placed on the floor, it creates instability and the muscles of the abs must work harder to stabilize the body. Bosu balls are ideal for home use, and you can also find them in some gyms.

Power Wheel

The power wheel looks similar to the ab wheel, but it has one large wheel and straps to accommodate the feet. To use the power wheel, place your feet in the straps and your hands on the floor. From a plank position, hands on the floor, feet in the straps and knees off the ground, the body is pulled into an inverted V. The power wheel can be used to train the muscles of the abs as well as the entire body. The power wheel is small, making it ideal for home use. As of 2010, it is a fairly new piece of equipment, rarely seen in fitness facilities.