Monday, January 27, 2014

Bestselling Ab Machines

Best Ab Machines For Home – Bestselling Right Now


A strong set of abdominal muscles is always on the mind of many folks from workout newbies to workout enthusiasts. Whether it’s a matter of strengthening your core to getting a six-pack of abs, there are many out there looking for the best ab machines for home. Because of such a wide demographic, criteria for a bestseller can vary greatly.


Depending on your situation you may want to consider one or more of the following:


  • Comfort: you want to make sure it helps you have correct form

  • Adjustability: support a variety of body types

  • Effectiveness: how Well It targets your ab muscles

  • Durability: how long will it last

  • Storage do you want to have it compact so you can store it?

  • Portability do you want to be able to move it around easily?

  • And of course … Price!!!


Taking all these into account, the number one most popular bread making machine is the:


Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer


Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer Home Ab Machine


The Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer is a top selling ab machine for many reasons.


  • Frame of the ab machine provides good support for back and neck

  • Makes crunches easier and more fun (make sure to watch accompanying video for correct usage)

  • Lightweight and easy to move around and easy to fold and store

  • Easy to put together, the springs were not difficult.

  • Good at correcting your form for crunches to do effective ab workouts without harming neck and back.

  • Includes twist motion for different range of motion and better stabilizer work over its predecessor the Ab Rocket

A few quotes from user reviews:


  • “I saw a change after the first week of using it.”

  • “The twister part really burns.”

  • “It offers great assistance in doing situps. I do 100 a day now!”

  • “I highly recommend those just starting out to start with the high resistance and work your way down because if you’re like me, the lowest resistance will cause you to think the whole Ab Rocket is a bad piece of equipment.”

  • “I use it every day during commercials. Easy to assemble and easy to store! No stress on my back.”


Overall, this is a great option, and it is no surprise it is a great seller on Amazon and is highly rated and reviewed by many owners. While not the most highly rated, what adds to its appeal is that it is moderately inexpensive while providing you support. It is also quite portable and so it can be moved around the house, making it convenient to get quick workouts in throughout the day or longer workouts in front of the television or in other aresa of the house.


Here is our complete list of current most popular bestselling ab machines for home


  1. Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer Home Ab Machine
    Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer Home Ab Machine
  2. Apex Roma Hyper Extension Bench
    Apex Roma Hyper Extension Bench
  3. Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer
    Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer pic
  4. ProForm Ab Glider Platinum Ab Machine
    ProForm Ab Glider Platinum Ab Machine
  5. Ab-Doer Twist Abdominal Trainer Ab Machine
    Ab-Doer Twist Abdominal Trainer Ab Machine
  6. ProForm Ab Glider Sport
    ProForm Ab Glider Sport
  7. Ab Coaster Home Abdominal Trainer Ab Machine
    Ab Coaster Home Abdominal Trainer Ab Machine
  8. PowerLine PAB139X Ab Board Machine
    PowerLine PAB139X Ab Board Machine

The above list is our list of top selling affordable best ab machines for home on Amazon. They are all usually available at discount prices off of retail – you can click on any of the specific abdominal machines above to get more information.


The list above covers a nice range of abdominal machines with various features, various construction, and various price ranges from $75 to $350. From on-the-floor backside down simple crunches to supine (belly down) knee up crunches off the floor, you’ll find a great variety in these bestseller lists which is what makes this is a great starting list if you are looking for specific criteria and want to compare ab machines from different manufacturers. It also gives you the lowdown on what ab machines are generally the most popular with buyers.


If you are searching for a ab exercise machine as a gift or for yourself, chances are high you will find one of the above listed will fit your needs perfectly.


Check out more best ab machines for home


best ab machines for home

Friday, January 24, 2014

How To Buy An Elliptical Machine Part 4: Best Elliptical Recommendations

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find which one of the best ab machines for home is for you


Here are links to the complete guide:


If you have read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, you should be ready for some recommendations.


Here they are!


recommended elliptical machines


Recommended Manufacturers


Considering the fitness niche is so popular, there are always new manufacturers and brand names popping up in the entire wide range of fitness machines and products. Elliptical machines themselves have a wide variety of models, quality, and prices.


Here are a few of our recommendations for the top rated elliptical machines for home.


The manufacturers we would recommend:


1. Horizon Fitness Elliptical Machines


horizon-fitness-logo


Horizon Fitness (official site) is a top name in exercise machines and our recommendation as a top elliptical machine. While expensive, they are are not the most expensive on the market and definitely pack some punch in quality, durability, and design. Six Star Certified, the Horizon line is a well loved brand name.


2. Sole Fitness Elliptical Machines


sole-fitness-logo


SOLE Fitness (official site) is a top name in treadmills and elliptical machines and other exercise machines. These guys are top top top of the line. For that reason they are usually rather expensive as well. If you have it in your budget, then the machines by Sole would definitely rank as the best ellipticals for home use.


3. Stamina Products Elliptical Machines


stamina-products-logo


Stamina Products (official site) prides itself on quality portable exercise machines. Their most popular products are their elliptical machines and cycling machines. Both are small enough to fit under a desk to be used at work, or in front of the TV. They are the ultimate in inexpensive and portable, but don’t let the cheap price fool you. They have good durability.


On a budget or looking for ultimate convenience and portability, these are great for the beginners to get them exercising or for anyone who enjoys the five to ten minute mini exercise break.


Recommended Models


Here are some recommended individual models:


1. Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer Machine



  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Reasoanbly priced

  • Six-Star Certified

  • Can handle long strides

  • Reasonably compact for storage

  • Nice heavy-duty warranty from Horizon

2. Horizon Fitness EX-69 Elliptical Machine



  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Reasoanbly priced

  • Six-Star Certified

  • Can handle long strides

  • Reasonably compact for storage

  • Nice heavy-duty warranty from Horizon

Main Differences Between the Horizon EX-59 and the Horizon EX-69 Elliptical Machines:


  • EX-59: 275 pound max, EX-69: 300 pound max
  • EX-59: stride length: 18 inches, EX-69: stride length: 20 inches
  • EX-59: 10 resistance levels, EX-69: 20 resistance levels
  • EX-59: No Incline, EX-69: 5-position manual incline
  • COST: EX-59 is about $100 less expensive than the EX-69

We highly recommend both!


3. Sole E35 Elliptical Machine Trainer


Sole E35 Elliptical Machine Trainer


  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Expensive

  • Flywheel resistance! Top notch

  • Very smooth operation and surprisingly lightweight

  • Extremely durable, supports up to 375 pounds

4. Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Machine


Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Machine


  • 4 out of 5 stars

  • Inexpensive

  • Portable and convenient

  • Sturdy steel construction

5. Schwinn 431 Elliptical Machine Trainer


Schwinn 431 Elliptical Machine Trainer


  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Reasonably priced

  • Sturdy, doesn’t wobble

  • Doesn’t need much storage space

That Concludes Our “How To Buy An Elliptical Machine” 4-part Buying Guide


We hope that this “How to Buy an Elliptical Machine” buying guide has provided you with a lot of good tips and information to help you research through various elliptical machine reviews and testimonials to find the best home elliptical machine for your fitness program.


Good luck!


References:


http://www.livestrong.com/article/306435-elliptical-performance/
http://www.atopreviews.com/best-elliptical-machine-reviews
http://healthonabudget.com/five-benefits-of-an-elliptical-trainer
http://bestellipticalmachinereviews2013.blogspot.com/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/191349-elliptical-machine-safety/
http://www.topconsumerreviews.com/elliptical-machines/
http://www.somastruct.com/elliptical-machine-running/
http://bodytrainersreviews.com/how-to-determine-stride-length-for-an-elliptical-machine
http://www.sixstarcertified.com/


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!


Check out more best elliptical for home use news and reviews!

How To Buy An Elliptical Machine Part 3: Important Features To Check

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find which one of the best ab machines for home is for you


Here are links to the complete guide:


When it comes to low-impact cardio exercise, elliptical machines are one of the most popular exercise machines on the market. With that in mind, there are a lot of features to check and tips to heed.


Here we will continue on from Part 2 and list more features for you to consider when buying that best elliptical for home use


how to buy an elliptical machine



Best Home Elliptical Machine Features


Just like any other machines, the elliptical machines have various features that you need to check before purchasing one. You must make sure that the elliptical machine has features that necessitate convenience, comfort, performance, safety, and quality among many other features.


Quality

When you talk of quality, the elliptical machine must be made or built with high quality materials that will last for many years to come. You must be able to determine the quality level of the machine. Sometimes, we also tend to look at its price that determines the product’s quality. Always remember that price is different from quality.


Performance

Choose an elliptical machine that provides a great cardio workout. You need to consider the stride length of your machine. It should be 16 to 21 inches in length to avoid jerky elliptical machines. It should provide ease and comfort every use.


Durability

It should be able to hold properly so as to avoid any accidents. The durability of your elliptical machine will give you an idea on how the machine is going to function whether it is mounted or even stored. Choose an elliptical machine that is proven to have solid durability even under demands of either light or commercial use.


NOTE: When it comes to Quality, Performance, and Durability, Horizon Ellipticals (pictured below) are one of the top names we can recommend


    


Safety

You should make sure that the elliptical machine is comfortable to use as you are exercising. The footpads should be well padded for ease and safety purposes. You should also make sure that the stride is well put so as to enhance comfort ability as you are working on it. Check also for sturdiness of frame and handrails. Observe your position and comfort while you stand on the machine, you should be stable and not feel like you will tip over. Under safety you should consider the following.


Emergency Stops

On a motorized elliptical machine (or any motorized cardiovascular exercise machine), before you operate an elliptical machine or any electrically powered machines, you should look for the locations of the emergency stop button, by this you are already oriented in case of emergency instances.


Convenience

For convenience, you should make sure it has the capacity to perform easily.


Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical MachineBy this it means it should be convenient for you to be able to mount it comfortably in any recommended space without consuming most of your time. It gives convenience to its users because you can get cross-training benefits as it combines forward and reverse motions and the upper body exercise.


NOTE: For convenience and portability, Stamina (pictured right) makes some high quality portable elliptical machines and other exercise machines


Weight limits

Elliptical machines for home or commercial use have weight limits; you should ask the sales associate. You must not compromise your safety and stability of the machine if you use it even if it cannot accommodate your weight.


Six Star Certified Elliptical Machines


Six Star Certified Elliptical MachinesOne very important distinction when it comes to elliptical machines are the Six Star Elliptical Machines. The idea behind Six Star Certified is to rate an elliptical machine higher depending on how well it mimics your natural movement.


“Derived from extensive biomechanics research, SIXstar Certification is a unique combination of the six key elements needed to deliver the most natural elliptical feel”, SIXstar Certification is an attempt to rate elliptical machines on six elements which overall gives a certification of how effective the elliptical machine is. The six elements are:


  1. ZEROgap (pedal placement)
  2. IDEALfit (handlebar spacing)
  3. StraightUP (appropriate body posture)
  4. FLATellipse (motion that mimics natural running or walking)
  5. SUREstep (easy on and off access)
  6. SMOOTHpulley (smooth motion)

View more info on Six Star Certified at the official site: SixStarCertified.com


Your Budget


It is also imperative to ensure that your budget is not compromised. Whether it is cheap or expensive it is important to make sure that you are in check with the quality of the elliptical machine as well as the pricing. The elliptical trainer should be reasonably priced and the price should match the machine’s capacity as well. A reputable product is better than a product that has uncertain background and quality.


As an example, Horizon Ellipticals are not the most expensive on the market, but amongst the most popular and highest of quality. On the most inexpensive end, Stamina Ellipticals are durable, but inexpensive since they have such a small footprint.


Researching a product prior to purchase is a very wise move. Make sure that you also compare a number of elliptical machines so that you can weigh the differences in their prices, reviews and also the features.


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Next up is Part 4: Our Recommendations


And here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!


Check out more best elliptical for home use news and reviews!

How To Buy An Elliptical Machine Part 2: Choosing The Best Elliptical For Home Use

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find which one of the best ab machines for home is for you


Here are links to the complete guide:


When it comes to low-impact cardio exercise, elliptical machines are one of the most popular exercise machines on the market. The question is then: which is right for you?


Our buying guide will help you with figuring which is the best home elliptical machine for you!


how to buy an elliptical machine



Seeking The Best Elliptical For Home Use


What are good elliptical machines? Good elliptical machines that are engineered well should feel smooth, no loud squeaks or other noise. It should have the best sound system that will allow you to listen to any workout music that you would like. It should also have cooling fan to avoid the machine from overheating. Most of the models have plenty of pre programmed workout features and large console display that makes it easy to read. Its compact design makes it even more convenient to use.


Choosing The Best Elliptical For Your Home


Test different machines.

Testing different machine will enable you to weigh on differences.


Examine the machine.

Listen for undesirable noise.


Choose a proper stride length.
how to determine stride length for an elliptical machineDepending on your height and leg length, your stride will be different from the next person’s. As many home elliptical machines are smaller than the ones you would find at a gym, you will want to be aware of your stride length and the stride length that your potential best elliptical for home will accommodate.


We have a nice blog post here on how to determine your stride length for An Elliptical Machine to help you with this.


Choose the motion you are interested in

Some elliptical machines have a limited range and almost function more like stairsteppers. While the more expensive ones will have a larger elliptical motion more similar to walking.


In addition, some elliptical machines have optional upper body handles for you to work your upper body out. On some elliptical machines, these move with your stride and are REQUIRED for you to hold the machine to get a workout. On other machines, they are stationary and for balance only (and thus are optional).


Choose by the resistance that you need.

Most elliptical machines have pedals that are adjustable in resistance. Many latest models have 16 and there are also higher resistance that is essential in increasing the intensity of you workout.


Check for technology and programs.

Check on what the machine offers. Most of the elliptical machines have several preset options.


Compare your lists.

Compare the prices and specifications on your short-listed items.


Other User Variables


Before you purchase the product here’s another one that you need to consider, the variables to consider are below:


Height Of The User

Besides stride length, handle-bar width and other fixed dimensions of the elliptical will accommodate certain body shapes. Especially with something like an elliptical machine that sets a stride length, you will want to make sure yours is comfortable on the elliptical, otherwise you may risk some injury being forced into a stride length your body doesn’t like.


Weight of the User


Weight is a big variable that makes difference on how the machine will operate. When the weight goes more than the advisable weight it is advised that you should advance one level.


Span of Time Used


For everyday use, many models consider normal use of each people of 30 minutes per day. For an excess of another 30 minutes you must go up one level. Some elliptical machines will suggest a MAXIMUM LIMIT of number of minutes used per day


How Many Users?

Another area to consider is the number of people that will use it on daily basis. The range of its level depends on the total weight of the user’s every day.


In Closing..


Overall, elliptical machine is great for toning your body, working out your muscles and giving you healthier body. When purchasing an elliptical machine, you should check into your weight, height, number of users and level of your physical activity. Look for signs of durability and reputation of its manufacturer.


Take time to read reviews about the product, model and their pros and cons. Websites have wide range of articles that can surely help you weigh things up for you to decide on which model will best fit your needs. Also, search for online promos for the products and maybe you can have a product that costs more reasonable.


Bearing all the following guidelines, I am sure it would be less stressful to figure out a proper elliptical machine for your home use.


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Now that you know some tips to think about when choosing an elliptical machine for home, we will go into a related topic next time listing more important features to check when buying an elliptical machine. So look for Part 3: Important Features To Check


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!


Check out more best elliptical for home use news and reviews!

How To Buy An Elliptical Machine Part 1:Elliptical Machine Benefits

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find which one of the best elliptical for home for you.


Here are links to the complete guide:


Exercising has become a normal routine for many people nowadays due to health factors. More and more people have realized the importance of exercising on a daily basis.


At the same time, when starting an exercise programs, one must be careful to not overdo it, especially on muscles that need strengthening to protect joints that are not used to action.


Enter the low-impact cardio exercises, and one of the most active candidates: the home elliptical machine!


But which one is the best elliptical for home use?


Let’s find out!


how to buy an elliptical machine



The Elliptical Exercise Machine


There are several machines that can be purchased in the market for home exercises and an example is the elliptical machine.


The elliptical machine is intended for heart exercises and also losing weight. With the elliptical machine, the exercises are simple since you only have to stand on the machine in a stationary platform after you switch it on and then you start to peddle on it like you are walking.


The good thing about this elliptical machine is that once you have it mounted in your home, you don’t need to have a trainer for you to use it. This machine is easy to maneuver hence it is very convenient to use.


However there are many companies that sell elliptical machines in various brands and models. Therefore it is important to know how to buy an elliptical machine in order to know which machine is worth your money.


Elliptical Machine Benefits


It is important to know the various exercises that the elliptical machine can aid you in performing. Such exercises are as follows:


  • Lower and upper body workouts:

    The work of the elliptical machine is to ensure that your lower and upper body is exercised. It also ensures that there is muscle development as it targets more muscle groups. This is done if you exert pressure on the handlebars using your upper body.
  • Low impact body work outs:

    Since you are always peddling using the forward motion; the impact is usually safe and that your lower body gets the proper attention needed. This is not like when you are using a treadmill trainer whereby there is only minimal shock impacts on your lower body. Elliptical machines are highly recommended for people who have strain injuries and even those with arthritis can use this.
  • Reverse motion workouts:

    This workout motion helps you in strengthening your hamstring and calf muscles.

Another benefit of using an elliptical machine is that it is proven to help maintain healthy bone density and can prevent onset of osteoporosis. It is also very safe to use with regards to injury and safe for use on all ages.


Easy On The Joints


Whether injured, recovering from injury, or just getting older, the joints need to stay healthy AND the muscles protecting the joint need to stay strong.


Knee Joint PaintWhen a person is sedentary, the joints and the muscles do not get enough work.


So when someone wants to start exercising again, it is imperative that they stay physically fit enough to continue exercising – there’s nothing worse here than a well-intentioned person gets injured.


The low-impact workouts help a person slowly strengthen their muscles and joints AND lose weight to lighten the stress put on those joints. And that is a huge reason, as it should be, to look into buying a top rated elliptical machine.


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Now that you know a brief overview of elliptical machine benefits, you can think about your own situation and then be ready for Part 2: Choosing The Best Elliptical For Home Use.


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!


Check out more best elliptical for home use news and reviews!

Saturday, January 11, 2014

How To Buy An Ab Machine Part 4: Ab Machines Recommendations

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find which one of the best ab machines for home is for you


Here are links to the complete guide:


Abdominal exercises have come a long way from doing uncomfortable situps on the floor to now being a quick evolving industry of complicated ab machines for home. Ab exercises already have many different forms and angles, so it’s no wonder that ab machines come in a variety of styles ..and prices!


So here are our recommendations!


Onward!


recommended best ab machines


Recommended Manufacturers


Recommended Health and Fitness ProductsConsidering the fitness niche is so popular, there are always new manufacturers and brand names popping up! Some of them only make one ab machine while others will create a full line of health and fitness products. When it comes to recommending just one brand name, it can be daunting.


There are quite a few factors when it comes to recommending the best ab machine for home, and it is not always what gives you the best workout. There are a few more extra things to keep in mind


  • Price – you’re buying it after all
  • Easy to put away? Unless you don’t mind having it out all the time.
  • Easy to use? So you can continue to use it
  • CONVENIENT to use? So you can continue to use it
  • Fun to use? So you can continue to use it (see a theme?)
  • Effectivenes: lastly, does it actually work?

The last one is last on our list because all ab exercise machines actually work. If you read our How To Buy An Ab Machine Part 2 you’ll see that there are basic movements for working out the abs, and in all honesty we have found that all ab machines are designed to mimic these movements.


That being said, the manufaturers we would recommend:


1. Proform Ab Glider Ab Machines



Proform (official site) is a well-reputed name in the exercise machine industry. Overall for function, we find the elevated downward facing ab exercises the most effective. They are easiest on the back and neck and are actually quite fun to do. There are quite a number of machines that fit this mold and we find the Proform Ab Gliders to be the best ones. The Pro Glider Platinum has three main advantages over the Pro Glider Sport: extra DVDs, adjustable incline, and a bar to add extra weight – in other words, ways to make your workout more extreme!


   


2. Powerline Ab Machines By Body Solid



Powerline Fitness by Body Solid (official site) makes some incredible and sturdy home gym equipment including a number of benches for you to really throw the weight around. Included in the arsenal is the Powerline PAB139X bench: a straightforward sit up bench. This is the “free-weight” version for crunches. Sturdy and you make your own angles and situp workouts. Great because it’s elevated: easy on the back and neck as long as you keep your form.


Powerline makes a lot of other great equipment including crunch benches (with added resistance) including a number of weight benches, roman chairs, and power towers. Very sturdy brand name.


3. Ab Rocket Ab Machines



We were a bit hesitant to put the Ab Rocket (official site) brand name here because we don’t really like on-the-floor crunch machines like this. However, there is no denying their convenience AND price. Not to mention the colors and rollers are really pleasing to the eye. If this gets you doing at least some sort of sit-ups on a regular basis, then that’s a good thing. There is no doubting the popularity of the Ab Rockets and when used correctly, they do work.


Great for the beginner who just needs to get started and is on a budget.


   


Recommended Models


Considering the above, here are our recommended models.


1. ProForm Ab Glider Platinum Ab Machine


ProForm Ab Glider Platinum Ab Machine


  • 4 out of 5 stars

  • Reasoanbly priced

  • Bar to add weight

  • Adjustable resistance

  • Most effective and fun style for ab workouts

  • As a second choice, the Ab Glider Sport, but the cost is almost the same and you get more for the Ab Glider Platinum

2. PowerLine PAB139X Ab Board Machine


PowerLine PAB139X Ab Board Machine


  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Sturdy, well padded

  • Solid Base

  • Good price

3. Ab Coaster Home Abdominal Trainer Ab Machine


Ab Coaster Home Abdominal Trainer Ab Machine


  • 4 out of 5 stars

  • Extremely sturdy – well built and durable

  • Similar to Proform Ab Gliders: feels more durable, but also twice as expensive

4. Apex Roma Hyper Extension Bench


Apex Roma Hyper Extension Bench


  • 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Heavy duty and durable

  • A bit on the expensive side (2x as much as Powerline) but can often find discounted at 50% off at Amazon

5. Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer


Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer pic


  • 4 out of 5 stars

  • Portable

  • Reasonable cost

  • Can be easy to use incorrectly if you don’t pay attention which leads to ineffective workout

  • Attractive design and colors – just looking at it you want to sit in it (and maybe once you sit in it you’ll do some crunches

NOTE: The Ab Rocket Twister is more expensive and adds the “twist” (side-bend) feature – we didn’t find it that effective compared to regular side bends, and makes the regular crunches slightly harder to do correctly, and it’s more expensive. So our recommendation is the Ab Rocket over the Ab Rocket Twister


That Concludes Our “How To Buy An Ab Machine” 4-part Buying Guide


We hope that this “How to Buy an Ab Machine” buying guide has provided you adequate information that will effectively help you in deciding which product can best meet and satisfy your requirements. Just take your time in learning and assessing the several sit up exercise machines and research the ab machine reviews and consider what is most important for you.


Good luck!


References


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!



Check out reviews of each of our recommended best ab machines for home and more

How To Buy An Ab Machine Part 3: Careful How You Research Ab Machines

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find which one of the best ab machines for home is for you


Here are links to the complete guide:


Abdominal exercises have come a long way from doing uncomfortable situps on the floor to now being a quick evolving industry of complicated ab machines for home


Unfortunately (or fortunately) people STILL need to do the actual exercise. There is no “GET RIPPED ABS FAST” scheme that will work without actual hard work. And so there are a lot of unfairly negative reviews out there, and yet those still have valuable information. Our buying guide will help you navigate this tricky road!


Onward!


how to buy an ab machine


Choosing The Right Ab Machine


Taking everything into consideration, you must create your own check list and consider the range of motion, the target muscles of the machine, the comfort and adjustability it can offer when buying an ab machine. Before buying, you must also decide on which muscles you want to improve. There are plenty of ab machines available and all you have to do is choose the one that suit your needs. But, unfortunately not all of them are reliable enough or may fit on your needs.


Choosing the right ab machine that will give you all your needs is very important because it can mean all the difference. It may be less effective and not good enough or the worse, it may harm you or damage your health. When you are really into buying an ab machine, aside from everything that is mentioned above, you also need to consider the items below.


Consider References


Discuss with your friends and ask for recommendations. Sometimes, it would be better to use products that are also used and recommended by many. It would give you the sense of security and confidence, knowing that the product you will be using is tested by the ones that you know. Even so, you can get a trial run on the stores near you.


Assess Products


Do not just go into the store and pick up a product. You should know what you are looking for. Step two is that you should consider second opinion and go around for more alternatives. You’ll never know, there might be a product that is better than what you know and with more reasonable price.


Get Opinions From Websites


Internet access is really a good help when you are in search of something. Do online research and list down the pro’s and con’s of a product. That may help you weigh which product has better specifications. There are also reviews about products posted on the internet that will help you have an in depth analysis on the products and comparison on each product. Also, there are websites that sell stuffs which gives promos for lesser price and sometimes free delivery, online ordering that will not consume too much of your time and door to door delivery that will give you ease. If you have internet access, grab the opportunity of seeing, reviewing and checking the product’s availability online.


Consider The Source Of Those Opinions


Unfortunately the majority of potential customers in this niche tend to buy on excitement, and instead of giving it an honest try, make an excuse for why the product didn’t work.


ab rocket ab machine exampleSo you will need to consider your references and research origins carefully so you can discern if whether something bad about a product said in one review really is something bad or not. Chances are there is some truth to it so finding out that truth and if you can deal with it is an important skill.


As an example, one of the bestselling ab machines, the Ab Rocket, is definitely not our favorite machine. And while we were not sure why this ab machine was a bestseller, instead of outright ignoring it as a bestseller, we embraced it and tried to figure out its bonuses AND why it would be the bestseller


(As far as what ab machine is our favorite? That will come in How To Buy An Ab Machine Part 4: Ab Machines Recommendations)


Concluding Thought


After all, it’s up to you on which will work for you. You should remember that you will not get six pack abs in just days or a week. A healthy and clean diet, discipline, and determination is the very key to eventually achieve the shape that you have been longing for. Ab machines will just help you improve your shape while you also help your own body and system.


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Now that you know a brief overview of ab machines, the various types ab machines, and a few tricks when it comes to researching ab machines, our next article will give you which ab machines are best! So be ready for Part 4: Recommendations.


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!



Check out reviews of each of our recommended best ab machines for home and more

How To Buy An Ab Machine Part 2: Types Of Ab Machines

The purpose of this buying guide is to help you find which one of the best ab machines for home is for you


Here are links to the complete guide:


Abdominal exercises have come a long way from doing uncomfortable situps on the floor. It was very easy to hurt your neck and your back. Of course advancements are always being made in ergonomics, comfort, and making them effective and “fun”. Our buying guide will help you figure out which ab machine is best for you.


In Part 1 we gave a brief introduction to ab machines.


Here in Part 2 we will talk some specifics about ab exercises and ab machines.


ab circle pro example



Types Of Ab Exercises


When it comes down to it, there are four main types of ab exercises


Crunches (Upper Abs)


ab crunch


This is what most people thing of as a “sit-up”. Pretty much any upper-ab exercise will be a crunch or variation on the crunch. Body is oriented face-upwards and then the upper abs are “crunched” towards the knees.


Leg Lifts a.k.a. (Lower Abs)


ab leg lifts


While this primarily targets the lower abs, the upper abs usually get in the mix here – and some leg lifts can be modified to get a pretty intense upper ab workout at the same time. Body is usually oriented face-upwards (or can be done hanging from a pull up bar) and the legs are lifted upwards towards the chest.


Side-Bends (Sides a.k.a. External Obliques)


ab side bends


So while you have pictured “crunch” type motions now for upper abs and lower abs, the Side-Bend is a crunch type motion for the sides, or “External Obliques”. These can be done a number of ways. And most of the time these can also be included in lower and upper ab exercises with some sort of slight twisting motion, such as the bicycle situps.


bicycle crunches situps


Twists (Sides a.k.a. External Obliques primarily)


ab-twist


The one “ab exercise” that is not “crunch” based. Twists are meant more for providing core strength for athletes or to help prevent or recover from torso injuries. They are not as effective at reducing fat as the crunch-style exercises.


Orientation Of Ab Machines


Now that you know the basic exercises, ab machines are built in many different ways – sometimes to work the abs at different angles, sometimes designed to isolate the abs as much as possible, and sometimes just to make the workout different and interesting.


You’ll find most of the variations deal with


  • level of incline/decline offered
  • if the ab machine positions you in a “face-up” type position (on the back) or “face-down” type position (like a dog-tilt)
  • if the body is elevated or not

The variations all have strengths and weaknesses.


In our personal experience we have found that for most upper-ab and lower-ab work we prefer the face-down position, like a dog-tilt. Most ab machines that work in this orientation will have the upper body stabilized while the loewr body will crunch up or crunch to the side


To give you an idea, the most basic exercise of this type is called an “Ab Roller” where you hold on to some sort of rolling device and extend out


ab roller example


We would call this a “face-down” ab machine that is styled after an upper-body crunch (since the upper body is doing most of the moving, though in reality you will feel it in both upper and lower abs)


The harder versions are where the legs move more than the upper body and the upper body provides more of the stabilization


ab-roller


Types Of Ab Machines Examples


Crunch Style (upper abs), Placed On the Floor


The most popular example of this is the Ab Rocket which continues to be one of the top sellers on Amazon as well as its sibling the Ab Rocket Twister which adds the torso twist exercises.


While very popular, we personally do not prefer these. However they are fairly cheap and pretty comfortable, not bad for someone starting out in ab exercises


Ab Rocket
ab rocket ab machine example


Ab Rocket Twister
ab rocket twister ab machine example


Crunch Style (upper abs), Elevated


You’ll see different inclines with the elevated machines. A big upside is simply that we are not placed on the floor anymore. Whether this is a good ol’fashioned sit-up bench or a new-fangled ab board machine, these offer some easier times on the back and neck in case you do things improperly.


Usually these are the traditional sit up benches like the Powerline PAB139x or the APEX Roma Hyper-Extension Bench.


Powerline PAB139x
Powerline PAB139x ab board machine


APEX Roma Hyper Extension Bench
apex roma hyper extension bench


Leg Lifts, Elevated


We haven’t seen a lot of leg-lift exercises where you are flat on your back as far as ab machines go. Most people (including us) would then just do regular leg lifts.


The most popular machine in this category is the Ab Lounge 2 as it also “hyper-extends” to give your back a nice little stretch too.


Ab Lounge 2
ab lounge 2 example


Elevated Leg Lifts


These machines are our favorite – intense and effective, easy on the neck and back AND while it is a leg lift, you definitely will feel it all over the place all up and down your abs when you use these ab machines *CORRECTLY*. A lot of favorites here including the Proform Ab Glider Ab Machines, the Ab Circle Pro Ab Machines, and the Ab Coaster Ab Machines


Proform Ab Glider Ab Machines
proform-ab-glider-example


Ab Circle Pro Ab Machines
ab circle pro example


Ab Coaster Home Ab Trainers
ab-coaster-example


CAUTION AS YOU BUY THE AB MACHINE


And we re-iterate this from the previous Part 1 of this guide: the more complex the machine OR the more different it is from traditional crunches, the more likely you will read negative reviews from people who just could not get the proper form right and blaming the resulting downfall (not sturdy, kept falling off, not stable, knee pads wear out too soon, etc).


If you are a beginner and are not aware yet of how your body should move and feel, then these reviews make sense. For those advanced at workouts and ab exercises, you may want to consider the source of those reviews and see if it applies to your situation.


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Now that you know more about the types of ab machines on the market, you can think about your own situation and then be ready for Part 3: How To Buy An Ab Machine!


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!



Check out reviews of each of our recommended best ab machines for home and more