ABDOMINAL EQUIPMENT

Working with the right accessory or equipment can add both variety and challenge to your workout. In addition, variety and positioning will help hit your abs from multiple positions including your obliques.
Look below for form and descriptions, or check out reviews from users.

Fit Balls

The Fit Ball is a large, inflated rubber ball, about 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter. It is an inexpensive and effective ab workout tool.

Click on any of the below exercise to see how they are performed:

Ball Balanced Roll Ups Ball Band Front Raise Ball Band Lateral Raise

Ball Band Lateral Raise Intermediate Ball Bicycle Ball Bicycle Intermediate

Ball Bottoms-Up Ball Bottoms-Up Advanced Ball Crunch

Ball Crunch Advanced Ball Crunch Intermediate ...See more in our
Exercise Library!!!

Flex Bands

Flex Bands - essentially strong rubber bands with handles on them, can be used to increase the workload for basic and twisting crunches. To use them, loop the band around a stationary object, such as the leg of a couch or bed. With your back to the loop, run the cables over your shoulders and hold the handles as you crunch.

Ankle Weights

Ankle weights add intensity to any of the leg-lift or hip flex movements. Ankle weights place extra stress on the lower back, and should be used only by people who have strong abs and back.

Ab rolling machines

Ab rolling machines are sold under a variety of names. This beginner-oriented equipment helps maintain form while virtually eliminating neck stress. Ab-rolling machines are best suited to basic crunches, although it is possible to work the obliques as well.

Torso-stretchers

Torso-stretchers, similar to the equipment endorsed by Suzanne Somers, promises great abs as well as stronger arms, shoulders and backs. This equipment, which works the abs through isometric contractions does work the other muscle groups as claimed, and that is its strong point and downfall: by not isolating the abs, the abs workout can be limited by the strength and endurance or your arms, shoulders or back.
If you are only going to do one exercise all day, and if you have no complications from your shoulders arms and back, this is probably a good machine to use. Be sure to try it before you buy it.

Abdominal Flex Chair (marketed as AB-DOer by Comtrad)

The AB-DOer provides a good workout for the rectus, obliques and lower back. The rectus is exercised mainly through isometric contraction because the chair's motion doesn't feature full range crunches. This is one of the best ab machines on the market.

Roman Chairs

Roman chairs, typically found in health clubs, are suitable for advanced fitness work only. They allow an increased pre-stretch, as well as a large isometric load on the abs and back because all floor support for the lower back and torso is removed.

Slant Boards

Slant boards provide an increased load on the abdominal muscles during crunches and sit-ups by keeping the contraction at an optimal angle through more of the exercise. Be certain to keep your lower back rounded, not arched, when using slant boards, and use smooth controlled motions.