Considering that there are too many abs equipment infomercials we see these days, have you thought about buying an ab machine? The Ab Circle Pro as most of us have seen it is actually one of the most common exercise equipments on TV that is heavily advertised. You probably have seen the sexy fitness model Jennifer Nicole Lee introducing to us how this machine works.

The Ab Circle Pro looks fine, actually. It looks great on Jennifer and you might think it would look good also on you especially if you can have the same toned abs like Jennifer’s. But do you think you can really get that Jennifer abs if you buy the machine and use it accordingly? Who knows, right? Well, here are the things I found about this popular ab equipment.

If you look through the many websites that promote the Ab Circle Pro, some of them offer 30 day free trial period and say you only pay less than $15 for that. Again, wow, this seems like a good deal that you can’t lose. But you think, there could be something fishy going on in here. So you read between the lines and there you find some surprises. With just the shipping you must pay  $30 that non-refundable.

If you are not satisfied with the machine you have to ship it back to where it came from and of course pay the same amount like when you ordered it. Don’t expect the company to send anybody to pick it up from your house. So all in all, that would be about $80 including the trial fare and for just a cheap machine, obviously you can be at the losing end just for trying it.

So, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of this ab machine.

Basically, the Ab Circle Pro is designed for two purposes: cardio and abs workout. With hands and knees supporting your body and sliding yourself from side to side in gliding motion, this can really tire you and can give your side oblique the strain. As the machine promises to burn fats in your bellies and waist, you are supposed to have spot reductions in your target areas. The truth is that there is no spot reduction – you always burn fat in all your body, not in a specific spot.

Some users complained that this machine is not enough to sustain all the workouts you need to make your abs trimmer and harder. In short, the Ab Circle Pro cannot exactly provide what the gym abs machines can give you. Also, there are a lot of complaints about the quality of the Ab Circle Pro. So, does this mean the machine is a total scam? No, it’s not. But this is not a wonder machine that can do what it promises without also following a diet.  Do regular intensive hard workouts as part of your training and that means full body weight training workouts which you can do either in the gym or with equipments at home. Then, eating right and getting enough fluid and sleep is the last requirement.

So, to sum up, the Ab Circle Pro Ab Machine CAN give your ab muscles a good workout – it will even work out your obliques. But its quality is not the best, so you probably should look for a better ab machine.

Technorati Tags: , , ,

If you want to lose weight or want to tighten your abdominal muscles, you probably are thinking about buying an ab machine. Well, here you have the most extensive guide you can find on ab machines – all you need to know and more ;-)

 

It is common for us to hear the 2 most important steps in having a fit body and these are proper diet and of course, regular exercise. In other words, a good healthy lifestyle is all what it takes to have that gorgeous body you always wanted to have. But are these two significant tasks enough to have a hard body and a washboard abs?

When we talk about proper diet, there are also two main disciplines in this category and this is eating the right kinds of food at the right time and avoiding the fatty ones. In terms of regular exercise, it may mean going to the gym, jogging a lot, walking miles, swim a lot and everything you need to keep your heart pumping harder. These are really what health conscious people do and they reap excellent results with it. They can maintain themselves healthy and fit as long as they can make these activities their routine. But the abs, as we know are not easy to develop and really take a lot of help from abs training and using exercise tools such as abs machines to become rock hard.

 

There are actually 4 general abdominal muscles in our abs area with 2 of them in pairs which makes up to 6 muscle groups that support our postures and defining the form of our abs. These muscles are the following:

  • Transverse Abdominus Muscles. These are located deep into the abdominal area and provide support to the torso and to the back. It is responsible in providing postural support to the spine.
  • Internal Oblique Muscles. These muscles are located on each side of the torso. They are the next big muscles after the transversus and also help in providing back and posture support but they provide more flexibility with our bodies’ rotational and lateral movements.
  • External Oblique Muscles. These are also a pair of side muscles on the torso and located near the internal obliques. They are superficial muscles but provide additional support to the internal oblique muscles.
  • Rectus Abdominus Muscles.  Literally, these muscles are what we call the muscle group that makes up the six-pack abs. It provides support to the other abs muscles. Because these muscles are on the surface and composed of 6 muscles, having these muscles developed can make one look super fit.

If you want to know more about the muscle groups of the abdominals, please read our article on the abdominals. Now, getting these muscles worked out are sad to say requires a hard job if without the help of the abs machines. Abs machines can be the man’s best friend in terms of utilizing tools that can solely target the core area. However, abs machines will be useless if you are not physically fit to do the work out or don’t have the motivation to get leaner and go on proper diet. For those who are overweight or obese, they must be ready to empower themselves with determination and discipline to make themselves leaner and fit before making their abs harder.

Some people say that if you are too fat or obese, an abs machine can be useless. This is not totally true because an abs machine can still help you with your workout depending on the structure, size and quality of the abs machine. Abs machines come in many varieties and you only have to look for the one that fits you right, don’t give you pain and its resistance levels can force you to exert your effort.

The Abs Machine

Abs machines are popular and they are some of the most featured gadgets seen on infomercials. They come in many types. There are the wheeled types, the spring types, the chair types, the twister types and many more types that promise good result with regular use. On the other hand, not all of these can have good range of motions to maximize your strength and flexibility as some of them may turn out to be pieces of crap just riding up with the trend. So it is really important that before you trust an advertisement, you have to understand the characteristic and best features of an ab machine.

Previously, most of the ab machines we see on different ad media are the wheeled devices and the roller types abs machines. These ab machine types require you to use their hand grips and with your body leaning forward, you roll the wheels back and forth and this can stretch and flex your abdominal muscles while also stretching your chest muscles. However, if you are overweight and do not have enough power in your biceps and triceps, these kinds of abs machines can easily tire you so it is likely that you will forget about utilizing them.

Fortunately in this age of innovation and technology, there came other varieties of abs machines that eliminate the painful way of flexing the abs muscles. For example, the chair or bench types will not oblige the user to use his body weight just to get that abs muscles flexed. With completing a range of movements, the same result with the abs rollers and sit-ups can be gained. The swing abs machine types are also very beneficial as they also eliminate the hard task of providing tension to other muscles in the body but only target the abdominal area.

Ab Machine Buying Guide

Since we understand that not all ab machines are genuinely useful, we have to be very careful in choosing the right ab machine that can guarantee us success. Please read our article on what are the best ab machines. In this case, we have to have the abs machine buying guide which can help us pick the right tools. Here are some question guides to make you realize if you are really buying the right abs machine.

  • Can it help you with your objectives? Remember that the role of the ab machine is to strengthen you core muscles and must tone your abs. If you tried it and you did not feel any tension in there, the machine cannot be the ideal one.
  • Do you have any ailments or physical problems that can hinder you from using the machine? Doctors would usually recommend people with physical ailments light exercises but not to use ab machines as these require powerful effort to benefit from it. But if your problem involves only the neck or your back, you can still find abs machines that have features to support these body parts and still can get that well toned abs.
  • Can it help you with your abs workout? Considering that you are already overweight or have an extra large body size which can take you longer to develop your abs structure, ask yourself if the abs machine you want can help you with your work out and can it support your body weight and size. If not, try other abs machines that can be suitable for your size. If you can’t find one, better enroll in a gym to make use of the larger machines that can suit you better. Then when you are slimmer, you can maintain and improve your physique with the use of the abs machine while at home.
  • Does it have adjustable parts and are you comfortable in using it? Most machines are really effective in helping people form their rock hard abs. But on the other hand, some people fail to use their abs machines accordingly because basically these are not very comfortable to use. If you develop a pain in the back, or knees, or to the neck everytime you use your abs machine, surely you would not be able to continue using it. Usually, if the machine has an adjustable part, comfort of use can be at hand. But if the machine has an adjustable parts and still killing you, throw it out and look for a machine you will be happy to work out with.
  • Can you afford to buy it? Most often than not, people buy home abs machines because these are generally affordable. Abs machines can range from $50 to more than $250. However, it does not mean a cheap abs machine cannot fare well with a $200 machine in terms of efficiency. In fact, there are cheaper abs machines that are more effective than the expensive ones. Remember that the materials are the basis of the price of the machine and even the abs machine has poor quality but have excellent design, still it can contribute positively to the user though it may not last that long . On the other hand, if you can afford to buy a good quality and reliable abs machine, better go for it because the machine would sure to last and will help you maintain good toned abs.
  • Do you have the space for it in your home? Abs machine vary in sizes. The large ones which are usually more expensive have heavy large structures but these are not the very foldable types. The cheaper ones are smaller and more foldable and you can store it anywhere or leave it in a corner of your room for easy access. If you want the heavy structured abs machine, be sure that you have its own space for it.

So ask yourself these questions to give you great ideas if a machine is suitable for your needs. Now, ab machines may look perfect for anyone’s taste but with all the good and bad talks that have been said to most of them, this can really intrigue you more but at the same time can make you cautious which one to choose.

There are secrets in finding the fine details of an abs machine and you cannot hear or read these from the ads you’ve been watching and reading. You want to know these details? Just check these out and know some tips.

1) Size of the machine. Infomercials usually don’t tell people about the size of their machines if they have variety of sizes to suit anyone’s size. They only show you how to use it and continually showing their sexy models to whet  your interest in buying the product. However, have you not observed that the models who are using the machines have almost the same size and already well-trimmed? How about if you have a heavy and long body structure? Can the machine accommodate you? Is it made of durable materials that you won’t wreck it? If you are not so large, can someone in your family who is sized extra-large use it as well? These are few of the questions you must know before buying an abs machine.

Tip: If you are on the heavy side or too tall for that matter and have an interest with an abs machine, you may want to inquire from the manufacturer or search in the Internet all about the machine’s specifications. In this case, you may also want to know if the machine has adjustable parts that would help you decide if you want to take the machine or not.

2) Resistance level. This is the criteria you must also always take in consideration because your health condition and body shape will be the basis on what resistance level you will need to undertake. For those who are really out of shape, they should look for ab machines that offer low resistance level to avoid muscle fatigue and harm. If you are already fit, toned or muscled, look for an abs machine that has high resistance level to make your abs firmer and well sculpted. But if you are on the heavy side, make it a priority in finding a machine that is very durable, has an adjustable parts and offer tough resistance levels. You can really use this machine with your regular workout including your cardio workout.

Tip: Most effective abs machine that use springs, rubber bands and hydraulic system have different ranges of resistance and this is good because as you go by, getting stronger and having firmer abs, you can strengthen the resistance level of the machine to make your abs feel more of the tension. But on the one hand, some abs machines have limited levels of resistance that render them useless over time. If you have one cheap but effective machine that does not meet your level of resistance anymore, passing it to someone who needs it would be nice. But if you are contemplating on buying a high-end abs machine, better check its resistance levels first or you may have a machine that cannot be a part of your good investment.

3) Quality of the ab machine. This is another priority in terms of having a machine that can last a long time. Considering that the machine you find is effective and giving you the tone you need, you have to use the machine regularly to maintain your physique and the quality of the machine counts in this event. Most cheap abs machine have low quality parts which tend to break under a year of regular use so you better choose a machine that have flexible and durable parts but still affordable.

Tip: Physical fitness experts say you can easily distinguish the quality of the machine with its physical characteristics. First, a low quality abs machine is usually light. These are made of thin stainless or aluminum metal carved out and covered with thick rubber pads to make them appear thick and strong. However, the usefulness may not be at stake with some cheap abs machines but only their durability. Heavy duty abs machines have heavy solid structures and can last for years.

Second, low quality abs machines usually have parts that can lose grip or resistance in such a short time. Especially those that you need to screw and unscrew the lever to come up with high resistance level, the screw tend to loosen its tread while the holes widen. Their rubbers and springs also tend to lose their elasticity and force. By checking on these parts, you will know that the machine won’t be reliable after months of use. Third, low quality machines can easily rust, crack, bend or twist.

 

4) Cost and charges. The new ab machines are made for general public access which means they are sold affordably. Though these cannot totally eliminate your visit to the gym since the gym have all the equipments you need for your total body workout, the commercial ab machine are specifically made to be portable, affordable and yet can be very effective for anyone’s convenience. However, if you want to buy via online or avail the trial offer of an ab machine, make sure there are no hidden charges whenever you want one delivered. Also, if the machine doesn’t suit to your needs and want to return it, clarify with the company who will shoulder the return fee. We have great information on cheap ab machines.

5) Warranties. Any product you buy especially with abs machine that are subjected to wear and tear must be under warranties. If an abs machine could not offer you a good warranty period, you would not like it when it breaks down in just few days of use without gaining anything from it so make sure you have all the receipts and warranty documents along with the item when you buy it.

6) Good customer service. Incidentally, there are the usual cases of complaints about abs machines being delivered lacking in parts, wrong model delivery, or malfunctioning parts. Even if you order the best abs machine but you got some parts missing or broken, it is always necessary that the customer service of the manufacturer can provide you the help you need. Bad customer service can spell bad products so better be sure that you get to talk to someone when the abs machine come to you in unusable condition.

 

Considerations before Buying an Ab Machine

Now that we have discussed the details on how to find a reliable abs machine, we must also tackle some considerations when choosing the right abs machine. This time you also need to know what type of machine you may want to enjoy using.

You can consider probably an ab roller, an inclined bench, cabled machines, an exercise ball or any type of machine that offers complete package. You can also think about adding other small equipments with your abs workout like the barbell, dumbbell, leg weights, ankle weights, medicine ball or the chin-up bar. You may need these if you want to develop not only your abs but other large muscles in your body and make your abs proportionally shaped along with other large muscle groups.

Effective Abs Exercises with Abs machines

People with great looking sexy abs don’t just rely with their abs machines only. They also use other equipments small and large though the abs machines are the ones that can really tighten the abs muscles. But with the use of other tools and abdominal exercises, these will enhance the quick formation of strong abs. But did you know that other than using tools and abs machines you can also include abdominal exercises that can many times over tone your abs quickly? Here are the exercises the fitness gurus suggest which can further support the use of your abs machine.

 

For the Lower Abdomen:

Hanging Knees to Chin and Head Raises

Hanging Abdominal Leg Raises

Exercise Ball Abdominal Pull Ins

Flat Bench Abdominal Leg Raises and Pull Ins

Abdominal Flutter Kicks with or without ankle weights

Decline Abdominal Crunches

Reverse Abdominal and Decline Crunches

For the Middle and Upper Abdomen:

Abdominal Crunches, Butt raises, Cable Crunches, Tuck Crunches

Abdominal Sit-Ups

Exercise Ball Abs Crunches

Barbell Abs Rollouts

Exercise Ball Abs Crunches

Medicine Ball Crunches while on Exercise Ball

 

For the External Obliques:

Oblique Crunches

Barbell and Dumbbell Side Bends

Elbow to Knee and Fingers to Heel Oblique Crunches

Seated Oblique Barbell Twists

Lying Oblique Leg Raises

Hanging Oblique Knee Raises

These are only few of the exercises you can include in your workout and when you want your abs get a quick tone the abs machine can finally do that job. Abs machines are like other exercise machines but because they are the portable type, they can have limited and repetitive ranges of motions which in the long run will not provide tension in your abs area even if you maximize their levels of resistance. Your muscles will get used to the repetitive motion that the machine’s tension will no longer be felt in the target muscle area.

In view of applying the above exercises, use other tools and try to innovate your exercise routine. We would also like to suggest the simplest abs machines than anyone can buy and all of these have been proven to be very effective gadgets that you can keep at home.

 

Exercise/Stability Ball

Without the abs machine, the exercise ball can be your very effective tool in making that abs feels the pain.  You can do the ball crunch with it which is the most effective abs workout and with the use of weights such as dumbbells and medicine balls you can strengthen other group muscles with this ball. The exercise or stability ball can intensify basic exercises as it enhances your balance and coordination. While doing workouts or even watching TV or working on your computer at home, the exercise ball can strengthen your core and back muscles because you balance yourself with it thus correcting your posture.

Abdominal / Medicine Ball

Previously used in Physical Education activities and in physical therapies, the medicine balls are now available in different sizes and weights so you can hold it near your chest while doing the crunches or tossing it up and catching it while standing. You can also roll your back and abs onto it to massage and strengthen your back and core muscles.

 Ab Wheel

The ab wheel is considered one of the most inexpensive but very effective tools for toning up the abs. It can be used by beginners and professional athletes alike. If you are a beginner, by just grabbing its handles and get on your knees while rolling the Ab wheel full forward and pulling back, you can create so much tension in your abdominal area that with just few pushes and pulls, your abdomen can get really tensed and hot. The Ab wheel is best in developing the Rectus abdominis, Transverse abdominis and the muscles of the lower back. If used by the advanced athletes that already have powerful arms and upper body strength, they can easily firm up their abs with the the Ab wheel and can easily create that 6-pack abs.

Ab Roller

Some people think that the Ab Roller is the same as with the Ab Wheel but it’s not. The Ab roller is designed to make abs crunches easier because believe it or not, the crunch is the most effective way of tightening the abs muscles. This abs machine has its head rest and overhead handles. You lie down on the floor, put your head on the head rest and grabbing the handle with your hands you slowly rock forward much like you do when crunching. With repetitive crunching, this can stretches and flex your entire abs muscle group and make them stronger. On the good side, this machine is best in developing the Rectus abdominus muscles or the 6-pack abs.

Ab Rocker

If you have a back or neck problem or just want to feel more comfortable while doing the crunches, the Ab rocker can be your ideal abs machine. It can strengthen your Rectus abdominus and side obliques because it allows you to perform the crunch while your head will be resting and your back getting the massages from the rubber rollers. This machine is also ideal for older people, heavyweights, or somehow has physical disabilities as long as their arms and upper body is strong enough to pull the body upward.

There are lots and lots of abs machines out there that may get your attention and will be offering you instant results that choosing the right abs machine may get so hard on your part. But try to be a smart buyer and better understand the concept that is shared to you through this article. Remember that abs machines are very useful tools that can make good things possible to your health. But bear in mind that before you have that slim body with ripped abs, you must follow the three basic rules – proper diet, lots of workout and religiously using your abs machine.

 

Technorati Tags: , ,

Constantly, new abs machines are being launched, or re-launched with big advertising investment. These ab machines as seen on TV are quickly becoming popular, but that does not necessarily mean that they really deliver what the promise. Here is a review of the best ab machines and ab programs in 2011.

 

Ab Circle Pro 

Recently there has been a lot of noise about the ab circle pro. Most probably it is because of the celebrity endorsement by Jennifer Nicole Lee and the massive TV advertising. Well, Jennifer really has a great body and amazing abs and she had to , but does the ab circle pro really work? You can find here our cheap ab circle pro review, but to sum it up:

  • It trains your abs AND your obliques
  • It gives you a certain cardio workout – even though the intensity is not that high
  • The knee cushions aren’t very comfortable, you might need to use some knee pads
  • Jennifer Nicole looks great :-)
  • The machine itself can give you a great ab workout, but there has been too many reported quality issues to give this machine a good rating

The most frequent misspellings of the ab circle pro include: AbsCirclePro, AbCirclePro, Abs Circle Pro, AbCircle, abscircle, ab pro, pro ab circle, mini circle, ab circle mini

 
 

Crazy Abs Exerciser

The crazy abs exerciser is an ab machine quite similar to the Ab Coaster. In comparison with the ab coaster, it is cheaper – and maybe a little less sturdy. It is a really good ab machine as you will do a movement similar to hanging leg raises, and so it will also target your lower abs. You can also target your obliques by doing the exercise sidewards, even though some taller consumers reported that they did not notice that oblique exercise that much. The crazy abs exerciser is much less popular than the ab circle pro – due to the fact that there is not so much advertising for this machine, but it receives much better reviews.

Click here to buy Crazy Abs Abdominal Exercise Home Gym

 
 

Ab Ripper X

Ab Ripper X is another popular abdominal program. It belongs to the P90X series. This program focuses only on abdominal exercises, so it does not include nutrition or cardio exercises – you still need to think about these issues, though, as they are crucial to really burn the fat and show your abdominals.

The program contains 11 different exercises. If you do 25 repetitions of each, you’ll do a total of 275 reps that will definitely tone your abs. (and it will burn!).

 

 

Ab Rocket

The ab rocket is almost a ‘classical’, it has been around for almost five years. We have reviewed the product in the best abs machines article. The advantage of the ab rocket is that it is an ab machine that supports your neck – as long as you’re not taller than 5’9. It features springs that make it easier to do ab crunches, but many consumers complain that the springs don’t have enough strength. This will depend on your weight and your fitness level.
To buy Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer for the best price at Amazon click here

If your objective is to tone your abs, you might also be interested in a cheap Slendertone.


Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Coming to this page you probably want to buy a cheap ab machine and you probably have already made up your mind about what model to buy. If you are still in doubt about what ab machine to choose, please read our review of the best ab machines and the information on the best ab machines for ab crunches.

Below you find the best price for the most popular ab machines. For best customer service all our orders are processed through Amazon, so benefit from all the guarantees that this trusted and respected online retailer offers.

Cheap Slendertone

slendertone ab belt

Strictly speaking, the Slendertone Flex Belt ain’t really an ab machine as you don’t do exercises. It is an ab toner working with electrical muscle stimulation. If you want to know more about the Slendertone belt, please read our Slendertone Review.

Click here to buy a Slendertone Belt for the best price at Amazon.

 

Cheap Ab Lounge Abdominal Exerciser

The Ab Lounge is one of the “classics” that has been around for quite a time. Its advantages are that this machine supports your head (thereby reducing the stress on your neck) and that you pre-stretch your ab muscles. Not recommended if you have back problems. On the good side, it’s quite sturdy and comfortable.

 

Cheap Ab Rocket

 

The Ab Rocket is another very popular Ab Machine. It has a height limitation of 5’9 or else your head will not rest comfortably. The advantage of the Ab Rocket is that the springs will assist you in your ab crunch exercise. But it will depend on your fitness level whether the strength of the springs is right for you.

Click here to buy a cheap ab rocket.

Buy Ab Circle Pro for Cheap

The Ab Circle Pro has become very popular due to the fitness endorsement by Jennifer Nicole Lee. Read here our review of the Ab Circle and where to buy Ab Circle Pro.

 

The Cheapest Ab Machines

If you are on a budget, there are a few ab machines that will cost you under 20 US$. Sure, they are not as comfortable and sturdy as the professional machines, but they are still very effective training your abs and if you can’t afford one of the more expensive machines they are a great option.

Valeo Ab Wheel

cheapest ab machine

Cheap and simple, yet effective way to train your abs. You hold it in your hand and roll back and forth, training your abs.
If you can spare the extra buck, we recommend the Lifeline USA Power Wheel> as you can use it on your hands or on your feets.

Read here customer reviews of the Lifeline Power Ab Wheel and see the best price.

 

Ab Stability Ball

Ab balls (or stability balls) are a great tool for your ab workout and help you increase your core strength. In our ab ball review you can find information on what size you need. If you buy one, don’t forget to buy an air pump, too.

Ab Straps

If you already have a workout bar, then ab straps are a great (and cheap) way to train your abs (especially your lower abs) with hanging leg raises or knee raises. Not recommended if you have back problems. Read our Ab Straps Review.

You need to fix the Ab Straps to a Workout Bar. If you don’t have one, our recommenadition would be the Iron Gym Workout Bar.

 

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

If there is one issue in our society that everybody is worried about, it’s about weight loss . Predominantly, being overweight or becoming obese is the result of bad eating habit and a lifestyle with lack of exercises. It is also the result of our bodies getting lethargic and not burning the fats that we get from our foods.

The problem is, even when people adopt healthier eating habits, healthy lifestyles and doing work outs regularly, if there is no adequate exercise for the abdominal muscles, the result will be a disproportionate body so you can see people with bulging muscles, trim body and yet a bulging abdomen.

So essentially, we should not forget to include in our exercise programs abs workouts that will target the abdomen lining. If you will search for the best ab machines online, you could surely find lots of them with different structures and follow different methods on how to use them. There are ab machines with rollers, wheel devices, and elastic bands. You could also  try the pedaled ab machines and the ab gliders. You can find any of these large abs machines in gyms and they surely are effective. However, what if you don’t have time to go to the gym because of your hectic business schedule?

So are there other abs machines you could use to reduce your belly if you don’t have the time to go to a gym? Now there are even Wii trainers that claim to train your abs. These definitely are not effective, but there are mobile abs machines so you can use an ab machine right in the comfort of your home by buying one of these folded-type portable aachines which you can easily store in your bedroom, under your table or anywhere else inside your home. Aside from this advantage, they are really affordable and mobile you can use them near the pool, in your backyard or while watching your favorite TV programs or movies. The good thing about the new portable ab sculptors is that not all of them are the machine where you need to do ab crunches
slendertone ab belt

 

Cheap Slendertone Belt Review: Does the Slendertone work?

Take for example the Slendertone Flex Abdominal Muscle Toner. This is an abdominal toning belt type that is different from the ordinary muscle toner belt. The Slendertone Flex Pro is designed using the medical-grade EMS technology that can automatically stimulate your abdominal area as you have the advantage of using its 99 resistance levels.

It has 77 built-in programs so you have the option to change the way it will contract your ab muscles and what it does is it strengthens all the 3 ab muscle groups in your ab area. It has an adjustable strap that can fit the waist between 24 to 47 inches so women and men can use it anytime, anywhere and no hard workout is needed. It comes with 3 gel pads and has a 2 year warranty. In just six weeks the Slendertone Flex Pro promises you a stronger and firmer ab muscles.

It is actually designed for persons who are so busy they can’t even use a foldable type of ab machine. When you apply the gel pads to your abdomen and strap the belt on, the Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology will automatically send signal to its microchips and the contraction begins. By contracting the 3 abdominal muscle group which are the rectus, oblique and transversus, it’s just like you are doing your crunch and sit-ups all along but without the strain. This ab machine is approved by the U.S. FDA and made by Bio Medical Research (BMR) Ltd that won the Consumer Goods Export Award in 2005  so you can be sure it is an effective and reliable gadget for training your abs.

So, is the Slendertone Flex Toner is an abs machine for lazy persons? Well, it will make your abs contract, so you are still working out, only that you don’t need to motivate yourself – and you can do it while seated, so it will not strain your back or your neck.

So, if you are looking for a cheap Slendertone then click here to read Slendertone consumer reviews and see the best price.
slendertone ab belt

How to use the Slendertone Flex Trainer?

  • Don’t do the “couch potato mistake”: when you use the belt while slouched on the sofa in front of your TV you will train unevenly and this can give you back pain. You should try to sit straight during the exercise.
  • Don’t exaggerate when you start using the belt. Unless you are used to doing a lot of ab exercises, you should stick to the recommended levels and workout durations.
  • don’t try to move the belt while it’s switched on – or you will probably get an eletrical shock in your fingers.
  • clean your skin where the gel pads will make contact – this will increase the life span of the pads.
  • use the up and down arrows to adjust the level of intensity. Increase to a level that is effective but not painful.

So, the Slendertone Flex Trainer can be an effective ab machine and it will help you train your abs in a very comfortable way. Still, keep in mind that stimulating your muscles electrically is not the same as doing a real ab exercise. If you rather prefer a real abs workout, check out our review of the best ab machines.

 

To see the best price for the Slendertone Flex Trainer, click here.

 

Technorati Tags: , , ,

You are probably looking for a cheap Ab Circle Pro, as this is right now is the most popular (and most advertised) ab machine in the market. This ab machine is endorsed by fitness celebrity Jennifer Nicole Lee. If you want to buy the ab circle pro cheap for the best price then please see below.

Click here to read consumer reviews and to see the best price for the ab circle pro
You will find that the price is the cheapest online and you can read the customer reviews.

 

Why should you buy the Ab Circle Pro?

The advantages of the Ab Circle is that it trains your abs and your obliques. It is easily folded for storage and transportable. You’ll notice that is really quite a workout and you can adjust the machine to your fitness level. The Ab Circle Pro works your abs muscles, but it is also a cardio exercise so it helps you to burn belly fat if you work out for a longer time (tip: instead of increasing the intensity by changing the incline position, make your workout longer so it works more as a cardio exercise).

It’s important to keep in mind that the Ab Circle Pro has a weight limit of 275 pounds. You will exercise on your knees so if you suffer with some kind of knee problems it is probably not the right ab machine for you. There have been some reports of quality issues – a problem of quality control, as not all machines are like this.

Tips:

  • Use knee pads to protect your knees and keep your knees in place when exercising.
  • The Ab Circle Pro might slip around if you use it on a wooden floor, so it’s better to place on a carpet.
  • Remember to read all the directions and start slowly, especially if you are seriously out of shape.

If you order the Ab Circle Pro through their official website, initially you only have to pay 14.95 US$. But then they charge 34.50 US$ for shipping and handling (non-refundable!) and if you decide to keep it, there are five payments of 39.95 US$ each, so the total is over 200 US$ and you actually can buy it cheaper at Amazon!

Click for pricing and to read customer reviews

If you want to tone your ab muscles, you might also be interested in a cheap slendertone flex pro.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here are my picks for the best ab machines out there to work your abs. They are separated in different categories, depending on what your objectives are.

The best abs machines for traditional ab crunches

In my opinion the traditional crunch is still one of the most effective exercises to work your abs. As we have discussed in previous articles, one of the main problems people have with the ab crunch is the strain it puts on your neck. These two ab machines support your neck and solve this problem:

AB Trainer

The AB Trainer allows you to do ab crunches and supports your head, thereby reducing the stress on your neck. It is not the highest quality out there, it is definitely not gym quality but it will do the job and for 100 US$ it is reasonably priced.

 

 


Club Pro Ab Trainer New Improved in 2010

This is the “heavy duty” club version of the AB Trainer. It is top quality and you still can do your abs in ten years from now. If you care about quality and you always want to get the best, this is your choice. It might be better quality and more comfortable but keep in mind that it costs 200 US$ and will not train your abs more than the basic AB Trainer.

The best Abs Machines for lower Ab Workouts

Perfect Pullup Heavy Duty Ab Straps

As we have discussed in an earlier article, using ab straps to do hanging leg raises or knee raises is one of the best ways to train your lower abs. Read the recommendations in the post in order to avoid back injury (no swinging!). Not for people with back problems, but definitely a very good way to train your lower abs. Don’t be fooled by the low price, keep in mind that you need a workout bar where you can hang the abs on, so you need to buy also the workout bar.

Crazy Abs Abdominal Exercise Home Gym

This is a good abs machine that has received very positive reviews. It is very versatile, allowing to target your upper, lower and oblique abdominals. The motion is quite similar to doing hanging knee raises only that you’re not hanging so it’s more comfortable and there is less risk that you overstretch your back. At 140 Bucks it ain’t cheap but it is a very powerful machine. There is a video on youtube that shows how you use it:

Best-selling Abs Machines

These are some of the best known Abs Machines out there, therefore I have included them. However they have some limitations so make sure you read my comments.

Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer

The good thing about the Ab Rocket is that you get to rest your head. There are some springs that might make it easier to do ab crunches, but whether these springs have the right strength for you depends on your weight and your fitness level. The most important limitation is that this machine is not adequate if you are taller than 5’9 as then your head will not be in the right position. The good thing is that it comes with a diet/nutrition program which will help you to reduce the belly fat covering your abs.

Ab Lounge Abdominal Exerciser

The good thing about the Ab Lounge is that you stretch your back before you do the ab crunch. This means that you work your abs on a wider range. BUT this can also be dangerous if you overstretch, you can hurt your back. So if you are seriously out of shape or if you have a back problem you want to avoid this machine! Also, it is rather bulky so not recommendable if you live in a small apartment. On the good side, it is quite comfortable and sturdy.

You might also be interested to read our cheap ab circle pro review, as this is another best-selling ab machine.

 

Best Ab Machine to Burn Belly Fat

All the abs machines that are reviewed above will help you to strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles. But if you have been following this blog then you know that the main challenge is to burn off belly fat: right now there is probably a layer of fat hiding your abs and no matter how strong and muscular your abdominal muscles get, if you don’t get rid of that fat your abs will not show!

The best way to get rid of belly fat is through diet/nutrition and through cardio exercise. For this purpose a treadmill or a bicycle is not ideal as they work only your lower body, the best machines to burn belly fat are elliptical machines and rowing machines as they exercise your entire body and thereby burn more fat. Strictly speaking it is not an “abs machine” but it is included here as it is one of the best ways to achieve the objective of ripped abs. In that sense, it is actually the perfect abs machine

Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer

Let’s face it, an elliptical machine is not a cheap exercise equipment. This item here is the most expensive of all the equipment listed in this post and it is still quite a low price for an elliptical (for a professional gym elliptical machine you can pay up to 5000 US$). For an elliptical it is reasonably priced while still offering a good quality.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Best abs machine for lower ab workout

In our last article, we have seen the importance of a good lower ab workout, what benefit it has for your back and your health, and also how it can help you to get a flatter stomach. We also explained reverse crunches, the best lower ab workout for beginners. Abs machines can you help to exercise your lower abs and can make your workout more effective, so today we will look at the best ab machines for your lower ab workout and what exercises to do.

Using an abs bench for lower ab workout: doing inclined reverse crunches

Initial position: lie on your back on an declined abs bench, using your arms to stabilize your body, with your feets raised and your knees bent.

 

Exercise: now bring up your knees towards your chest, trying to raise your pelvis off the board. Hold for a second and lower your knees back to the initial position. Make sure not to lower your legs to far as this might cause you to overstretch your back and hurt your back.

 

The higher the angle of the incline, the more challenging the exercise is for your abs.

 

 

Decline leg raises with an abs bench

This is an advanced exercise. It works your abs a lot but it also really puts a lot of strain on your lower back. Personally, I would rather jump to the hanging knee raises and skip this exercise.

 

The exercise is the same as the decline reverse crunch, but instead of having your knees bent, you have your legs straight at all times. You lift your legs up as far as possible, curling your torso towards your chest and then lower them again. Don’t lower your legs too far down as this will only increase the stress on your lower back.

 

 

Using ab balls for lower ab workout: knee tucks on stability ball

Initial position: you have your shins on an ab ball and are in push-up position (i.e. face down, rested on your arms and on your shins which are on the stability ball).

 

Exercise: use your abs to roll the ball closer to your hands. To do this, bring your legs towards your body, bending the knees and sticking your buttocks into the air.

 


 

By the way: you can also do the reverse crunches on the abs ball. On the abs ball you will obtain a greater stretch of the abdominals, so the exercise will be more effective. Lie on the ab ball, face up. Use your arms to stabilize your body and then lift and lower your legs.

 

 

Using ab straps for your lower ab workout

As we have seen in the article on ab straps, doing hanging knee raises and hanging leg raises are two great exercises to train your lower abs. Find the detailed description of the exercise in the article. Please read this review if you are interested in cheap ab machines.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , ,

Buying an abs machine can get you on the road to getting these firm abdominals you dream of. But as with any investment, you want to chose carefully where you put your money. In our last article we looked at some advantages abdominal machines have and how they can help you with your lower ab workout to achieve these desired rock hard abs. Today we are going to look with detail what points you need to keep in mind when you consider buying your own ab exercise equipment.



We recommend you to first analyze whether you really want to buy an abs machine or whether maybe you prefer an abs workout program combined with a diet for burning belly fat. Many internet sites offer such programs or you can hire a personal trainer.


Not all abdominal machines really deliver what they promise, so before taking a decision on which is the best ab machine for you, first consider these recommendations:

  1. Check out a variety of different models and look which ones fit best your objectives and your general physical condition. You can get a personal trainer to recommend you or you can check out the reviews on different websites. Very soon you will also find product reviews on this site.
  2. The abs machine should be adaptable to your height and weight.
  3. In order to avoid any injuries, you need to make sure that the abdominal machine is not going to stress your back. This is especially important if you suffer from any kind of back problem, in this case you should consult your health provider for recommendations.
  4. The abs machine should target all abdominal muscles (Upper ab and lower ab workout, abdominal oblique and transverses abdominis).
  5. The abdominal machine should be comfortable to use and not cause any discomfort or cramping.
  6. Check also whether it gives support to your neck.
  7. You also need to check whether you actually have enough space at home for your new abs exercise equipment.


Keep in mind that contrary to what most people think, the most expensive abs machine is not necessarily the best. Unless you’re a hard-core bodybuilder, you should be able to find a suitable cheap abs machine for around 100 US$ or less, so don’t spend too much! For example, you can find a cheap ab circle pro – right now one of the most popular ab machines – for around 130 US$.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

Abs Machine

Do abs machines work? We all dream of having this perfectly shaped sixpack: nicely ripped abdominals. And though we tell ourselves that it’s all about fitness, we know that we just want to look like these toned studs or the sexy girls with their flat stomach on the infomercials. It’s because these toned abs that we get from a proper ab workout are irresistibly attractive.

So, we start thinking about buying an abs machine, and that’s when all the confusion starts… So many manufacturers and brands out there: ab exerciser, ab cruncher, 6 second abs, ab lounger, to name only a few of them. Then we hear some trainers warn that some of these heavily advertised machines are a scam and our confusion only increases.

So, do abs machines really work? Well, yes they do, but only if you have your objectives very clear and know what an abs machine can do for you and what it can’t. In order to obtain these defined abs, firstly you need to strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles, so you need a good abs workout, considering also a good lower ab workout. For this goal ab exercise equipment can be of great help as we will see below. Of course, you can also train your abs without any machine, just with a good ab workout program.

Secondly, you also need to focus on burning belly fat in order to eliminate that excess fat that is presently hiding your abdominals. For this objective you need a proper nutrition, maybe a diet program and cardio exercises.

So, is there something like the perfect abs machine? What are the true advantages of abs machines? Obviously they vary depending on each individual model, but some of the advantages include:

  • An abs machine can be especially good for beginners as some allow to adjust the intensity of the exercise.
  • Using an abdominal machine can reduce the stress on your neck and your back
  • Some provide a wider angle for the abdominal muscles to stretch
  • Using an ab exercise machine usually is more comfortable than just doing an abs work out on the floor
  • An abs machine can allow for an effective lower ab workout while not straining your back
  • Abdominal machines can help motivate you
  • Finally, having your own ab exercise equipment can be very convenient as you can spend just a few minutes a day exercising, without the need to leave your house.

These last points are especially important, considering that – as for any type of exercise – for your ab workout consistency is key. So, the easier, more convenient and more motivating you make it for yourself, the more probable it is that you are really going to follow through, exercise regularly and that way achieve these defined abs you are dreaming of.

To sum up: yes, abdominal machines can help you, but you also need to keep in mind burning belly fat. So, think about whether you really need an abs machine, and in case you decide to buy an ab machine make sure to keep in mind the recommendations you find on this blog to find the best ab machine.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

© 2011 Best Abs Machine Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha