subject: Good Ab Exercises At The Gym [print this page] Your abs may not be the only reason you frequent the gym but they are certainly an important part of your fitness regimen. After all, you can hardly look up anything about staying in shape without encountering opinions about how necessary it is to have a strong core. Good ab exercises at the gym typically utilize the equipment gyms offer, from weight to cardio machines. Even the more basic tools most gyms have can be worked into your program to benefit your abs.
Ab and back machines, like those made by Body Solid and Maxicam, are useful for developing layers of abdominal muscle. These machines can be adjusted according to your needs, more weight being added as you increase in strength. Because they can also be used to tone the back these machines can potentially reshape your entire torso. To double up and make the most of your workout time you could try wearing an abdominal belt as you do other exercises. An ab belt, like TryContour.com and Flex Belt, generally uses electrical pulses to contract the abs the same way exercise does but without any effort. Flex Belt is made with medical grade EMS technology and is cleared for use by the FDA; it is also streamlined enough to be worn under clothing unnoticed. A roman chair can be used for back extensions; a captains chair allows you to use your body weight for resistance on the abs. Decline benches add a new challenge to sit ups while ab straps and chin up bars can have you curling your body by engaging the abs if you need a bigger test of strength. Even exercise balls, kettlebells, and free weights can be used to up the ante on floor exercises for the abs while treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines can be added in to encourage weight loss for leaner abs.
Doing good ab exercises at the gym shouldnt cost you more than your membership fees, which typically begin at $300 a year. Extras like classes and training sessions are likely to incur an additional fee.
Good ab exercises at the gym are like good ab exercises anywhere. They need to engage the abdominal and oblique muscles in turn; they should also increase strength and firmness at the same time. You should feel like your muscles have been worked after an abs routine but they should not cause so much strain that you need days of rest. In other words, a good abs routine at the gym will challenge you without exhausting you. Knowing how to work the equipment you want to use and understanding your own limitations is important for developing better abs and having a safe workout experience.
