Your core is the most important aspect of your physique, and abdominal exercise equipment will help you build a better body.
It’s not surprising to learn that building ab muscles to be number one on any personal training secrets list. They help you stay focused, and strengthen our core through consistent, resistance routines. These workouts are ideal for any runner, or anyone in sports, for that matter.
I realize some of you may have ventured here, hoping to see some discounts on exercise equipment. Though I have the links you need for the best deals around, let us first take an overview of the equipment available on the market today. Think of this article as your guide to core conditioning; I will discuss those machines and products which will help you get six-pack abs and lose weight.
A myth about great abs is that you need some fancy peice of equipment. There is a life-long list of infomercials purporting to offer us the secret product or machine to build abs. Now I’m not saying they perform the worst exercises for strengthening…more importantly, it takes consistency, proper nutritional diet, and a well-balanced exercise routine, even if its just performing the traditional (basic) abdominal crunch.
Rather than create a list of the best and worst ab exercises, I decided to focus on a combination of routines. It is truly not about the machine, or product, it is about your commitment to a regular workout program. Let us review a number of the exercises which create muscle strength and stability, and promote overall fitness.
Exercise Floor Mat
This is standard equipment for any home. It has part of every home fitness routine since the dawn of time, it seems. It is still the most efficient, effective, and best abdominal exercises. The traditional crunch is the most natural method of strengthening your core. Granted, it is not as comfortable as one of those ab machines on the TV, but just as effective.
If you prefer to use a machine, my recommendation is the Perfect Situp, by Fitness Quest.
Medicine Balls
The medicine ball, a favorite among trainers, really pushes you to get the most out of every strengthening routine. The medicine ball does so by forcing you to work all core muscles. This must be one of the best ab exercises you could do.
Push Up Bar
The push up bar is an excellent piece of equipment for full-body workouts; working not only your core muscles, but your upper and lower body as well. Care must be put into proper execution of this exercise, such as refraining from ‘jerking’ each rep. A good routine will have you working your shoulders, chest, triceps, legs, and of course, your abs.
Pull Up / Chin Up Bar
Another excellent way to not only build a strong core, but strength your upper body. This just might be the most overlooked exercise. Since the advent of numerous products to hit the market, the simple exercises seem to have taken a back seat. The chin up bar can be a simple bar across any door jam, or can be an elaborate, free-standing piece of equipment.
So not to stress your wrists, use pull up bar handles to provide a natural position of your hands and arms. To strengthen your wrists, you could also look into a gyro wrist exerciser.
Balance Ball
Make sure you have plenty of room for this exercise, as you could find yourself flat on your back. The balance ball works your core and leg muscles by strengthening those muscles which help you balance. Beyond simply standing on a ball, there is a complete workout routine available which will have you using the ball in ways similar to a step class.
Bosu Balance Trainer
As you may guess, I am not too fond of infomercial exercise machines. However, the Bosu Balance Trainer does offer a full-body workout. Many have indicated that this semi-spherical-dome-shaped object delivers a challenging work out.
Ab Wheel
If used properly, Ab Wheels may be one of the most effective pieces of exercise equipment for any home gym. Though I should caution you this type of exercise equipment is not meant for the beginner, and overuse may result in injury. You can achieve a full-body workout from the use of this machine, must be used sparingly at first.
Rowing Machine
Rowing machines, or horizontal ab exercise machines, are well known for their intense workout routines. This is a sure-fire way to strength your entire body and build endurance, a key to any runner’s success. Play it safe though, as it could strain your back if not used properly, or overused.
