Looking for the perfect piece of ab equipment that’ll actually get you results? With such a huge variety of fitness products to choose from, the search can sometimes feel overwhelming. So in this article we’ve summarized the best rated abdominal exercise equipment available, along with some training tips to help you get the most out of your purchase…

Different Types of Ab Equipment

Shopping channels and late-night TV are awash with different types fitness equipment that make bold statements. Many adverts claim to give you a sculpted stomach, melt away the fat, and improve your cardio fitness at the same time. But some are better than others, so how to you separate the ineffective products from ab machines that work?

In our experience, there are several different categories of equipment that effectively target the abdominals…

Sit Up Benches

These benches are basic tools that facilitate sit-ups and crunches. They’re standard ab equipment at the gym thanks to their ease of use and excellent results. Ab benches can be used by advanced exercisers or novices alike, but do require correct technique. Performing sit-ups improperly can place excessive strain on the back, so it’s important to use the right form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ab Wheels

Ab wheels are a simple yet effective way to work out your abs at home. They not only target your midsection but also work the muscles in your lower back. Ab wheels may appear easy to use, but they actually require a strong core to operate which can make them difficult for beginners to master.  The key to this piece of ab equipment is to not overextend and keep form tight while engaging your core the entire time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vertical Knee Raise (AKA Power Tower)

Engaging your lower body during ab exercises can really help with their development. A vertical knee raise station enables you to do this, as well as working out other parts of your body.  The key workout exercises include low knee raises which can be done with knees pulled in or extended as well as other exercises like dips that don’t target the abdominals specifically (triceps & chest).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abdominal Crunch

The Abdominal Crunch is one of the best rated abdominal exercise equipment options on the market. It’s specifically designed to streamline the crunch movement and ensures that you’re using the right technique. This means you fully activate the muscles which will lead to greater results, whilst minimizing the likelihood of injury.

 

 

 

 

Abdominal Crunch Machine

Abdominal Crunch machines are extremely easy to use. They let users have a full range of motion that isn’t always possible without specialized equipment. The guided motion also ensures that your abs experience an adequate amount of resistance – it’s this stress that causes fatigue which then promotes muscle growth. Controlled muscular stress is the key to developing a killer six-pack, so it’s crucial that your workout equipment delivers it.

These units balance comfort with biomechanics, to ensure your body is perfectly positioned throughout the workout. Using an abdominal crunch machine (the staple piece of ab equipment) avoids placing stress on your neck, which is something often experienced when doing sit-ups on the floor. It also avoids the risk of unwanted lower back stress which abdominal benches can sometimes cause. An ab crunch machine ensures that each crunch is performed properly – every single time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros

•   It allows for proper muscle resistance with its anatomically correct cam.
•   It’s precise which allows for smooth operation.
•   The pads for your elbows and arms help to promote ab crunching action.
•   The foot pads allow for maximize ab development as it locks the user in.

Cons

•   The machine only focuses on ab workout.

If you’re looking to buy the Abdominal Crunch, you can call a representative at Muscle D Fitness to purchase directly from the manufacturer.

Using The Abdominal Crunch Machine (The Most Popular Ab Equipment)

To use the abdominal crunch machine, first select a light resistance or weight that you know you can handle easily.. Sit down on the machine and place your feet under the pads while grabbing onto the top handles. You want to make sure your arm is bent at a 90-degree angle, by resting your triceps on the pads that are
provided.

Begin by lifting your legs as you lift your upper torso. As you would do if you were lying on the ground, use slow and controlled movements while you focus on your breathing. After a moment, return to your starting position slowly and then repeat.

How to Do a Perfect Abdominal Crunch (With Or Without Equipment)

Crunches are a staple in the workout community and the go-to way to get ripped abs. The workout has been a mainstay is ab workouts for more than a few decades and for good reason. Crunches are a great way to specifically target your abs.

When you do crunches, you’re targeting the rectus abdominis located on the front of your torso. The rectus abdominis is what most of us refer to as the muscles that make up the six-pack. When you reduce belly fat enough, you’ll see your abs carved into the shape that many people crave.

While most people have done hundreds of crunches at one point or another, they’re probably doing them wrong. Whether it’s in school when we’re younger, or attempts to get fit when we’re older, crunchies are the go-to stomach exercise. They are deceptive in that they look easy to do, but doing them correctly is actually really hard. Most of us have probably been doing them wrong for so long that we don’t even notice.

Common mistakes that people make when doing crunches include straining their neck by pulling on it, crunching too high and too fast, and relaxing when they’re coming down to the ground.

To do the perfect crunch you want to lie on your back, bent at the knee, and hands either across your chest or behind your head. If you’re wary of pulling on your neck then go for the arms across the chest method. If you choose to put your hands behind your head, making sure your fingers are gently cradling your head. You want to support your head and neck without taking away from the contraction of your abs when you come up. Suck in your stomach, pulling your belly button towards your spine to prepare for your movement upwards.

Bring your shoulders an inch or two off the ground to contract your abdominals slowly. Breath out when you come up, keeping your neck straight and your chin up. Hold your position for a few moments before going back down. Remember, do not relax your movements while you’re doing this. Repeat these motions for 15-20 repetitions. Be mindful of whether you’re keeping the correct form.

Tips to Remember the Perfect Form

You want to keep your movements small. A crunch is not the same as a full sit up. Limiting your range of motion to just a small lift off the ground makes the exercise an excellent way to build endurance and strength in your abdominal muscles.

Remember that the quest for a six-pack of abs is a hard one. You’re not going to achieve your goal by just doing crunches alone. You also need to maintain a healthy diet that allows you to burn calories while you work out, and keep your fat percentage low.

There are derivations of the crunch that you can also use to get a good ab workout. You can enhance the intensity of your crunches through other exercise equipment like a Swiss ball or workout machinery.

Getting perfect abs isn’t as unobtainable as it may seem. It will take hard work but by combining proven training methods with effective ab equipment, you can achieve great results. For advice on the best exercise machines to meet your needs, contact us.