Q: What exactly is an abs machine?

A: an abs machine is any exercise equipment that you can use for your abs work out to strengthen your abdominal muscles. There is a huge variety of abs machines, from something as simple as a training ball to sophisticated (and expensive!) gym ab exercise equipment.

Q: Do abs machines keep what they promise?

A: Well, what exactly does the abs machine promise? There are many myths about abs machines. It is important to keep in mind that abs machines serve to strengthen muscles, they are not for burning belly fat! When we see these infomercials with these tanned, muscle-packed, ripped models oftentimes the assumption is conveyed that just by using the abs machine you will look like the model. Well, truth is that the abs machine will neither train your chest or biceps, nor will it give you a fake tan, nor will it make you lose belly fat. And that last point is important! But on the other hand, abs machines do help you to strengthen your abdominal muscles so you get “abs of steel”.

Q: Can I get ripped abs just from using an abs machine?

A: if you want to have these “washboard” ripped abs you have to work on two areas: you have to build abdominal muscles, and you have to work on burning belly fat so your abdominals show. As we have seen above, an abs machine can help you with your first objective, but in order to burn belly fat you need to look elsewhere: either you diet or change your eating habits to healthier nutrition or you look at cardio exercises like jogging or using an elliptical.

Q: Do I really need an abs machine?

A: you don’t necessarily need an abs machine. It’s not like you can’t train your abdominals without any of these, you can also do a good abs work out just doing exercises on the floor. However, many people prefer using an abs machine. Usually it’s more comfortable to use an abs machine as most of them allow to train in a seated position. Also, some pre-stretch your abdominals, so they are more effective as you work a wider angle. Most ab exercise equipment also gives support to your neck, thereby reducing the stress on this sensitive area. So, abs machines do have some advantages for training your abdominals, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do a good abs work out without one.

Q: How much does an abs machine cost?

A: There is an immense variety of manufacturers and models of abs machines out there. You can buy one for just a few dollars and you can also spend more than thousand dollars. Contrary to popular belief, more expensive does not always mean better. It obviously depends on your objectives but you should be able to find an abs machine for less than 100 US$.

Q: Do I really need ripped abs?

A: You probably should think about whether you really need to have ripped abs. Yes, it is a good idea to strengthen your core muscles, i.e. your abdominals (including your oblique abdominal muscles) and back muscles as this will improve your posture, avoid back pain and injuries. It also is a great idea to lose excess fat. I’m not going to enter into the details of how overweight can cause diabetes and cardiac problems, because you’ve probably read that many times. But in order to get truly ripped abs you need your body fat percentage to be below 10% if you’re a man, and below 13% if you’re a woman. That is really thin, and you should think about whether it’s worth the effort and why you really want to get there ripped abs.

Q: What should I keep in mind if I want to buy an abs machine?

A: Ok, so if after reading this article you still want to buy an abs machine, you should consider the following recommendations: No matter for what article you decide yourself, try to find a few reviews on the product first. If you search on the internet you can find tons of reviews – be sure to look also for negative opinions! Apart from that, you should look for an abs machine that fits your body size and weight. Make sure that the abs machine does not stress your back. Check out whether the abs machine trains all abdominal muscles (i.e. not only the upper and lower abs, but also the obliques and the transverses abdominis). I would recommend that you consult with your doctor before you buy any abs machine, especially if you have any kind of back problem or if you are very overweight.