Someone strives to bring themselves to perfection, someone dreams of losing weight, and someone just wants to always stay in shape. An abdominal press machine will help you achieve any of these goals. The device allows you to tighten up your flabby body, pump up your muscles and achieve beautiful flat abs with the notorious six-pack. With the help of such a product you can increase your self-esteem and feel more confident in any situation.
Products in this category are presented on the market in a wide range. They are suitable for both fitness centers and home use. How to choose an effective and high-quality model? Our rating, based on user reviews, will answer all your questions. The article describes the main characteristics of popular simulators, their advantages and disadvantages, and also lists prices. The review will allow you to choose reliable equipment for effective work on your body.
Anatomy
There are rectus, transverse and oblique abdominal muscles.
Since the transverse one belongs to the deep layers and is not visible from the outside, it is not intensively worked on in bodybuilding. But increased attention is paid to training the rectus and oblique muscles.
The rectus abdominis muscle is often divided into the lower and upper abs. But this division is conditional, since it is included in the work completely and is worked along its entire length.
There are no movements that would work only the upper or lower parts of the abs in isolation! Although gym goers still believe it.
In bodybuilding, it has long been the case that exercises with lifting the torso are included in the movements for the upper abs, and with lifting the legs and knees - for the lower abs.
The oblique muscles of the abdomen include the external and internal parts and are responsible for rotating the body in the opposite direction. Involved in work in a complex manner in most movements.
Belt trainer
Another great solution for people who do not want to burden themselves with physical exercise, but prefer a quiet lifestyle, is a abdominal exercise belt.
It has been introduced to the sports market relatively recently, but has already managed to establish itself. It can be used:
- On the street, while walking
- At home
- At work
Its most important advantage is its practicality; the waist trainer can be used absolutely anywhere.
The principle of its operation is very similar to the butterfly exercise machine, but it also burns excess calories using the heat generated, which has a beneficial effect on blood circulation.
The belt is available in many configurations, as well as in different color variations.
You can look at photos of the abdominal press exercise machine on the Internet and choose the one you like best.
Types of abdominal exercise equipment
The variety of abdominal exercise machines ranges from minor additional equipment to complex designs.
Ab benches
This is the simplest exercise machine for the abdominal muscles. Represents options for a bench located at an angle (stationary or variable). This also includes the Roman chair - a shortened bench with legs fixed at the ankle and knee.
Abdominal benches are required in every gym as a basic option for working out the abdominal muscles. For more information on how to exercise on them, read the article “Training the abs on a bench.”
Ab roller
Small in size, compact and giving good results. It is a movable wheel with two handles on the sides.
The basic model is only suitable for intermediate and advanced levels. For beginners, even lightweight movement options are too technically difficult.
There are also contraindications for use - problems with the lower back, joints and ligaments of the hands, elbows or shoulders.
Abdominal strength trainer
Most abdominal exercises are performed with your own body weight, where the weight of the torso or legs acts as a burden.
As for strength training equipment for the abdominal muscles, weight-block devices are used here.
This option is suitable for those who want to increase the size of their abdominal muscles, giving them additional volume. Although it can also be used in multi-repetition schemes for intermediate and advanced levels of training.
For beginners, bodyweight exercises are usually enough.
Strength training equipment can be used both for pumping the rectus abdominis muscle and for the oblique muscles.
Balancing platforms
This popular training equipment is small in size and therefore can be used both in the gym and at home.
It is even used for people with musculoskeletal problems.
There are platforms in the form of pillows, hemispheres (Bosu) or disks. These are universal equipment that allow you to pump not only the abs, but also other muscle groups.
Other simulators
In addition to the types of exercise machines listed above, there are many other devices for pumping up the abdominal muscles. They differ in design, shape and materials.
Most are intended for home use, as they are small in size and do not take up much space.
Video clip
The roller is the most popular solution that many people use. They are attracted primarily by its price, which is absolutely acceptable.
It is a wheel that has 2 iron handles in the center; they are covered with a pleasant material so that your hands do not slip.
This trainer can be used at any time.
The price of an abdominal press machine will not exceed 400-500 rubles. Agree, it's a tempting offer.
Advantages and disadvantages
In abdominal movements, in addition to the abdominal muscles, the lumbar and thigh muscles are often included in the work.
With insufficient concentration or incorrect execution of abdominal exercises, the hips and lower back take the lion's share of the load.
You probably noticed this yourself when, instead of your abdominal muscles, your legs or back were more tired.
Exercise machines were invented to solve this problem and isolate the abdominal muscles as much as possible.
Most models cope with this task and this is their undeniable advantage - cleaner design.
The second advantage is that exercises are often performed along a given trajectory of movement. This means a simplified technique that is suitable even for beginners.
However, it is worth noting that there are also unsuccessful modifications of exercise machines, where, just like in other movements, it is not possible to isolate the abs and the load is shifted to other parts of the body.
Another disadvantage is the bulkiness of some exercise machines. You can meet them only in fitness rooms. At home, they are of little use due to their size.
Exercise machine "Butterfly"
Our world does not stand still, but is constantly evolving, inventing more and more new gadgets to make our lives much easier. Gadgets have also reached sports activities.
Now on the sports equipment market you can buy a butterfly abdominal press machine.
It can be purchased for little money, namely the price of 5 dollars will not hit your wallet too much, taking into account the fact that many other simulators will cost 3-4 times more.
The butterfly can run on the most common batteries, in which case it is very convenient to use outside the home, and can also be used on a battery.
A full battery charge will last you for 3-4 hours, which is a good indicator.
The exercise machine is put on the abdominal muscles using a strap, after which it begins its work with the help of small vibrations. Vibrations act on the muscles, thereby causing them to tense.
You can read reviews about the butterfly abdominal abdominal exercise machine in various thematic groups, where many people give their reviews about this device.
Which abdominal exercise machine is the most effective?
With all the variety of equipment, it’s natural to want to determine the best abdominal exercise machine. But unfortunately, it is impossible to give a definite answer for everyone here.
The selection of abdominal exercises in simulators will depend on a combination of the following factors:
- age
- fitness level
- concomitant diseases and contraindications
- target orientation of training, etc.
There is a variety so that each person can choose the equipment for themselves.
When choosing the best option, try all the abdominal exercise machines one by one. Preferably one per workout.
This way you will determine “yours” based on objective and subjective indicators. For example, by the degree of soreness or by the sensation of the abdominal muscles working during the exercise.
If you want to buy a home abdominal exercise machine, take your time. Use common sense and pricing policy.
For example, there is no point in buying bulky options for home (unless space allows) or special benches. It is better to give preference to compact versions.
A common situation is when the equipment turns out to be ineffective or causes pain in problem areas (usually the lower back). If possible, test the product before purchasing.
Bars
Bars are probably the most underrated machine you can use to tone your abs. It is mainly designed for men, but the opposite sex can also use it.
You need to know that the exercise machine will take up a lot of space in the house, so it is suitable for those people who live in their own house or have a large apartment.
In just 1 month you will see good results. In addition to the abs, parallel bars also develop the muscles of the chest and back, which is why it can be called the best exercise machine for abdominal abs and strengthening the back.
Repeating exercises
Various abdominal exercises using a machine are done with different numbers of approaches and the required number of repetitions.
For beginners, it is advisable to master one exercise first, and then gradually increase the load, increasing the number of executions.
On average, 2-3 sets with 10-15 repetitions of the exercise are sufficient to achieve a good result.
Regularity of training
Regardless of the methods of exercise, maintaining a certain regularity, as well as maintaining nutritional regimens, lead to excellent results and the fulfillment of the tasks set for yourself: to achieve optimal abs, to make an ideal figure.
Sometimes you have to force yourself to go to the sports equipment to do a few simple exercises. We need to fight this.
The ability to overcome reluctance to develop in the right direction is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
Proper nutrition and sleep also play an important role in maintaining good shape. Eight hours of healthy sleep is difficult to replace with anything. It's not even possible.
And the classic three meals a day is the basis of normal human existence. It is great if meals are taken at strictly designated hours in accordance with the rules of basic hygiene.
When actively involved in sports, the selection of special products is required to maintain a higher performance of the body.
It is very useful to consult a nutritionist. Consultations with the right specialists are never superfluous.
