We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Ab Machines?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: Feb 20, 2024
Views: 11,157
Share

Countless ab machines exist to help a person strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles, which surround the stomach. These machines can vary significantly in function and results, not to mention cost. Some ab machines are intended for use exclusively at the gym, since they tend to be quite bulky, heavy, and expensive, while others are designed for use at home. They are designed to be small and compact, as well as lightweight and inexpensive. Simpler equipment such as exercise balls and chin up bars can also be used to strengthen and tone the muscles of the stomach.

Anyone visiting the gym is likely to encounter fairly simple ab machines known as ab benches. These benches are usually situated on an incline, and the user will lie upside-down on the bench. His or her feet will be secured in foot cradles or around a padded bar, which allows him or her to do sit-ups on the bench. The incline is usually adjustable: the flatter the bench, the easier the sit-ups will be, and the steeper the bench, the harder the sit-ups will be. Such ab machines are very effective, but using them can be hard on the back if the person's form is not correct.

Ab balls are large exercise balls that are flexible and inflatable. These ab machines can be used for a variety of different exercises that can target the ab muscles or other muscles of the body. The ball is designed to support the body's weight, and a user can perform exercises while sitting in the ball, lying across it, or supporting only the upper body while the lower body must support itself. Such ab machines are sometimes used in conjunction with dumbbells so the user can enhance the workout with added weight resistance.

Ab twisters are ab machines that force the user to crunch and turn at the same time, thereby strengthening not only the abdominal muscles on the front of the stomach, but also those on the sides of the stomach. The design of such machines can vary significantly, but the general purpose is to cause a twisting motion while still supporting the body's weight. The downside to such machines is the strain that can be placed on the spine; people with lower back issues should generally avoid such machines, as they can lead to slipped discs or other types of discomfort in the back.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-ab-machines.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.