Best Machines for Ab Workouts

When your stomach and back muscles are weak, you feel weak all over your body. You slouch, you don't like how your clothes look, and you are setting yourself up for potential back and neck problems. Most ab workouts require you to get on the floor and do sit-ups. This can create more problems by causing you neck strain and back pain. And your abdominal muscles won't get the workout required to get results. Infomercials are always advertising the latest and greatest ab exerciser. Remember the ab roller? Still have it in the closet? Toss it out. Here are some of the best ab machines on the market. Prices range from $15 to $400.

Red Ab Exerciser- Red works simultaneously on your back and abdominal muscles. You are seated while you twist your torso, letting your abdomen do the work. Red runs around $100, but sometimes it is on sale for $60. If you buy it online, it can be more expensive. Red comes with a how-to DVD. Although the DVD that comes in the initial package isn't great, it still does the job. You will definitely feel the results after a few minutes. Three different models are available so you can pick the right one for your weight and the amount of resistance you are looking for.

Resist-A-Ball stability ball - Exercise balls were originally designed to help injured patients recover from spine injury and other neurological disorders. Today exercise balls are available physical therapy settings as well as fitness centers. Resist-A-Ball was the original designer. Despite the widespread use of the exercise ball, some are not built to last. Resist-A-Ball's line of products focuses exclusively on the exercise ball. DVDs are available to show you how to use the ball. Almost all of the exercise ball workouts are designed to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Many routines show exercises that also work your arms, chest, and legs. Other benefits of using a stability ball are improved balance and coordination. Prices vary but start as low as $15.

Big Ab Crunch Machine - If you don't mind spending a little more money on an ab machine, the Big Ab Crunch Machine may be right for you. Available at bigfitness.com, the price is around $300. The level of difficulty is adjustable because it comes with a set of weights to make the workout more or less difficult. It is a seated machine that looks similar to something you would find at the gym. Your feet pull up as you grip the bars above you to pull down. With this one move you are able to isolate and work almost all of your abdominal muscles in one motion while avoiding neck strain and protecting your back.

Total Gym - It's more than an infomercial you see late night. This piece of equipment makes the list because Total Gym creates exercise equipment designed to support the entire body. Some Total Gym products are even endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. The Total Gym works every muscle in your body without using a singe weight. You use your own weight as resistance and can adjust the height to the desired level of resistance. Because of its versatility, you can do a number of different ab moves to strengthen your midsection without making many adjustments to the machine. Prices start around $400 but can go as high as $1600, depending on the model you choose.

Pilates Power Gym - Pilates has been around for a long time. Part of the reason for its success is because it works. Following a Pilates routine strengthens the whole body but, like yoga, focuses a lot of attention on your midsection. The Pilates Power Gym's design is similar to the Total Gym but focuses on Pilates-based exercises. It has adjustable height settings and runs around $300. More than 60 workouts are available for the Pilates Power Gym.

When choosing an ab machine, choose something in your budget and high quality. Strengthening your abs is about more than just looking good in a bikini. It's about your body's health and strength. A strong midsection protects your back from injury, allowing you to avoid back pain and other disabling back problems.

http://www.bigfitness.com/abcrunmac2.html
http://www.totalgym.com/
https://www.redexerciser.com/home.aspx
http://resistaball.com/
http://www.efisportsmedicine.com/home/product-line/gyms/total-gym-14000.htm
http://www.taylorgifts.com/prodetail~itemno~D27961~src~NEXTAG46.asp