Overview
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least a third of the adults in America are obese. In addition to the high obesity rate, society's appeal for a "washboard" or "six-pack" stomach has made abdominal exercise machines the most popular piece of at-home exercise equipment in the country.
Basic Anatomy
The rectus abdominus is the "six pack" muscle of the abdomen whose chief function is the moving of the trunk. This is the muscle that most people focus on, but there are additional abdominal muscles that should be equally focused on. The transversus abdominus is a deeper muscle located below the rectus abdominus and acts like a support belt. There are two pairs of oblique muscles that are located on both sides of the rectus abdominus. The first pair is known as the external obliques. These muscles assist in the twisting or lateral bending of the torso. The second pair of oblique muscles is the internal obliques. These muscles are deeper than the external obliques, but also assist in torso rotation and lateral bending.
Variations
There are many variations of home abdominal exercise machines from high end machines to the less expensive infomercial machines. The higher end machines like the Yukon Ab Machine or the Body Solid Ab Machine typically range from $300 to $500 (as of 2009). These "gym like machines" consist of a padded bench or chair, handles or a bar to assist in the crunching motion, and plates or pulley systems for resistance.The infomercial abdominal machines, like the Ab Lounge or the Ab Rocker, typically cost $80 to $120. These machines usually consist of one piece of equipment that assists in the crunching motion and only uses the individual's body weight for resistance. For example, the Ab Lounge is like a folding chair and the Ab Rocker is a curved bar with a head pad for laying on the floor.
Misconceptions
Most advertisements show fit and ripped people performing on these home abdominal machines. They advertise that people who buy this machine will look like these people. Truth is, doing this abdominal machine will not make you look like the people in the advertisements. In addition to this abdominal machine, a vigorous cardio program must be implemented and a strict diet must be followed. The best way to start seeing a flatter, trim stomach is to decrease the body fat that covers the abdominal region. Cardio and dieting are the best ways to accomplish this.
Some people assume that the privacy and convenience of working out at home is best. More times than not, most people succumb to the distractions of home life. Put the abdominal machine in a secluded area of the home to limit distractions.
Safety Concerns
Although most at-home abdominal machines come with instructional videos, there's no guarantee that the person is practicing proper form. Improper form defeats the designed purpose of the abdominal machine and can also lead to serious injuries.
Warning
Consult a physician before participating in any exercise program. A physician can determine the best approach to beginning a safe and sensible exercise program based on the person's skill level and physical limitations.
Basic Anatomy
The rectus abdominus is the "six pack" muscle of the abdomen whose chief function is the moving of the trunk. This is the muscle that most people focus on, but there are additional abdominal muscles that should be equally focused on. The transversus abdominus is a deeper muscle located below the rectus abdominus and acts like a support belt. There are two pairs of oblique muscles that are located on both sides of the rectus abdominus. The first pair is known as the external obliques. These muscles assist in the twisting or lateral bending of the torso. The second pair of oblique muscles is the internal obliques. These muscles are deeper than the external obliques, but also assist in torso rotation and lateral bending.
Variations
There are many variations of home abdominal exercise machines from high end machines to the less expensive infomercial machines. The higher end machines like the Yukon Ab Machine or the Body Solid Ab Machine typically range from $300 to $500 (as of 2009). These "gym like machines" consist of a padded bench or chair, handles or a bar to assist in the crunching motion, and plates or pulley systems for resistance.The infomercial abdominal machines, like the Ab Lounge or the Ab Rocker, typically cost $80 to $120. These machines usually consist of one piece of equipment that assists in the crunching motion and only uses the individual's body weight for resistance. For example, the Ab Lounge is like a folding chair and the Ab Rocker is a curved bar with a head pad for laying on the floor.
Misconceptions
Most advertisements show fit and ripped people performing on these home abdominal machines. They advertise that people who buy this machine will look like these people. Truth is, doing this abdominal machine will not make you look like the people in the advertisements. In addition to this abdominal machine, a vigorous cardio program must be implemented and a strict diet must be followed. The best way to start seeing a flatter, trim stomach is to decrease the body fat that covers the abdominal region. Cardio and dieting are the best ways to accomplish this.
Some people assume that the privacy and convenience of working out at home is best. More times than not, most people succumb to the distractions of home life. Put the abdominal machine in a secluded area of the home to limit distractions.
Safety Concerns
Although most at-home abdominal machines come with instructional videos, there's no guarantee that the person is practicing proper form. Improper form defeats the designed purpose of the abdominal machine and can also lead to serious injuries.
Warning
Consult a physician before participating in any exercise program. A physician can determine the best approach to beginning a safe and sensible exercise program based on the person's skill level and physical limitations.
