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

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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

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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

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How To Buy An Ab Machine Part 1: An Introduction To 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”. But of course the main goal: to get you to DO your ab exercises! And that will be the best ab machine for your home.


Our buying guide will help you with that!


Onward!


how to buy an ab machine



The Modern Day Ab Machine


Many people are now realizing the importance of not just looking good but being healthy at the same time. Because of this perspective, a lot of people are now opting to use exercise machines that they can place at home in order to avoid expensive gyms fees and the hassle of transportation. One of the best machines to own in the comfort of your home is an ab machine. There are many types of ab machines and each has different uses in the market that it becomes very confusing to think which one to purchase.


Each ab machine has different qualities hence it is very important to know exactly what you want to achieve so as to get the proper guide on which one you need to purchase. Most of the times, you will find advertisements of nice looking people with beautiful bodies advertising for various ab machines. Because of these advertisements, ab machines have become quite a craze all over the world. That has resulted to confusion because you can never really tell whether the machines are actually effective or the models already have that rocking body! That is why you need to get a proper guide on how to buy an ab machine.


What To Look For In An Ab Machine


The Target Muscles


Before purchasing an ab machine, you must check out the muscles it targets. There are some ab machines which targets your upper and lower abdominal muscles, intercostal muscles and oblique muscles. There are also some ab machines which provide a total core workout that targets all your abdominal muscles, back and pelvis. The ab machine that you are looking for should effectively target every muscles and oblique of your ab; it means that the machine should target your upper and lower abs, and intercostals and oblique muscles to get a good ab workout. If not, cut it down from your list.


Check Out the Motion

You have to be sure of the motion of the ab machines. This is important in order for you to discover if your need is going to be met by how the machine flexes. You should always be certain that there are no particular exercises that you are unable to do at whatever time. You must consider an ab machine where you can perform a complete stretching and crunching of your abdomen, a machine that will give you a full range of its motion. Make sure that all the exercise positions are attainable using the ab machine before you purchase it.


ab-rocket-ab-machine-motionAb Rocket’s roller balls and pivot points help your motion isolate your abs.

The Machines Adjustability


It is very important to note the different ways in which the ab machine adjusts. You would not want to buy a machine with a limited flexibility to certain positions only. It’s imperative to have a machine that is adjustable to fit in different positions so as to ensure that the effectiveness is achieved. A quality ab machine should possess at least a couple of adjustment options; by this you will be sure that it will fit your frame. It is also advised that the machines frame should really fit you to avoid injuries.


Comfort Ability

Usually as you buy the ab machine, it’s important to check the comfort ability. In many cases comfort ability would go together with adjustability because either way you need to know whether the machine is flexible enough to accommodate the various crunch positions that you desire. You should be certain that your back and your neck are not straining under all circumstances.


Position Of Your Body


Abdominal exercises will mostly put you into three positions:



  1. back side down, on the floor or elevated
  2. front side down, on the floor or elevated
  3. sitting position (usually leg raises)


Ab Circle Pro Ab MachineOne of the most popular ab machines, the Ab Circle Pro, is designed with handle bars and knee rollers so you do your ab workout in a dog-tilt position. Much easier on the neck, and a good way to exercise the lower abs.


Different positioning and angles work your muscles different, some will be more comfortable for you than others. For example, if you have chronic neck problems, you may want to think of an exercise machine that does NOT place you on your back.


Ideally you want to do all three types so you hit your abs from many different angles and postures, but sometimes you can only do one of the above because of certain physical limitations.


So it’s good to be aware of your body, what will work best for you, and then find an ab machine that fits into your current restrictions.


CAUTION AS YOU BUY THE AB MACHINE


A lot of companies advertising their machines usually have a lot of hype such that they make people believe their machines are overly effective in a short span of time. In other cases the adverts say that once you buy the ab machine, you don’t have to check on your diet as the machine will help you achieve your ultimate goal which is unrealistic. You should always be very cautious about this kind of hype for your own good. You should understand that machines would only help you develop better shape, everything comes from the inside.


It is imperative to note that for you to attain the physical change that you want to achieve; you have to observe a proper diet. Having a six pack abdomen usually would mean that your diet is very efficient and also you’re keen about cardiovascular exercises together with any other exercises that you are doing with the ab machine.


Finally, when you read reviews, be aware that PROPER FORM IS THE MOST IMPORTANT!


It’s very common for people who are not motivated to buy ab machines during spontaneous bouts of inspiration. The ab machines make it look very easy to do ab exercises. In reality, the motivation to do situps AND the willingness to put the effort in is a requirement regardless of what type of ab machine you end up doing.


For this reason, when you read reviews, be aware that some negative reviews really comes from customers who did not use the ab machine properly and effectively.


That Concludes This Portion Of Our Buying Guide


Now that you know a brief overview of ab machines, you can think about your own situation and then be ready for Part 2: Types of Ab Machines.


Here are links to the complete guide:


Cheers!



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

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Friday, January 3, 2014

Fitting Fitness Into A Busy Schedule - Ebook Download

Life gets busy. Especially during the holidays. It’s also easy to let go of your sites of any special diet or health and fitness programs. Especially during the holidays. To be honest, there’s nothing wrong with that! Sometimes it’s good to live it up a little!


It’s also good just to keep your overall health and fitness in mind. Here’s a free ebook “Fitting Fitness Into A Busy Schedule” for you to help you remember to stay healthy and happy during this holiday season!


adobe-download


Happy Holidays and Happy Health And Fitness To You!


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30 Day Plank Challenge!

Do you want to try something new? Something that will only take up to 5 minutes a day? (mu ha ha ha ha)


Then try the 30 Day Plank Challenge!


30 day plank challenge


We first saw this on pinterest. Of course Google works well too.


Google Search “30 Day Plank Challenge.


What is it?


It’s a seemingly innocent challenge to you to hold plank position for the allotted duration. From googling around you’ll see a lot of testimonials to this thing. So…. why not?


I’m sure it’s going to be heckish!! But I’m going to give it a shot! Do it with me!


Need more resources on how to do planks?


Check out these links from 30DayFitnessChallenges.com


How To Do A Plank
30 Day Fitness Challenge: 30 Day Plank Challenge


And this video:






Happy Planking!


(Happy Planksgiving!)

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Thursday, December 26, 2013

15 Holiday Weight Loss Tips - Ebook Download

It’s the holiday season! Which means happiness, cheer, and joy! Which also means it’s easy to slip out of your disciplined exercise and dieting practices to “get into the holiday spirit.”


For that reason, here is our free ebook: “15 Holiday Weight Loss Tips” for you to help you remember to stay healthy and happy during this holiday season!


15 Holiday Weight Loss Tips Free EBook Download


Happy Holidays and Happy Health And Fitness To You!


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