Abs Exercise Machines - Do You Really Need One?

Many people say that abs exercise machines are the quickest, easiest and best way to get six pack abs. In one sense they're right, but in another totally different sense they're wrong. Keep reading and I'll explain why, and also why you don't need abs exercise machines to get the flat abs you want.

First, let's have a look at the different types of abs exercise machines that are available to buy.

1. Crunchers. These are the big odd looking cage type contraptions which you use to help guide you when you're doing crunches. You lie on your back with your head on a small pillow, and rest on your arms on the cruncher's side bars. As your contract your abs, the cage rolls up with your shoulder blades offering them extra support.

These machines (while although they're not technically "machines" in the sense that they have moving parts) are a waste of time. They offer no real benefit other than making you look like you're in an exercise DVD. You can easily perform exactly the same motion without the machine, and it's a lot cheaper!

2. Complicated gym machines. By this I mean the great big chairs, tables and who knows what else that make you feel like you're either going to the dentist, or being abducted by aliens! If you have to strap yourself in, hold on for fear of falling off or contort yourself and spend ages fiddling with various settings, it's not worth it.

There is one decent abs exercise machine in your local gym though, and that's the "Captain's Chair". This is basically a chair without a seat raised into the air. You stand up and grip the "arms" of the chair, brace your back against the chairs back, and then lift your knees to your chest. This exercise can be performed similarly by lying on the floor and raising your knees to your chest, but the Captain's Chair forces you to exert more effort and control over your entire core.

3. Electric ab belts. Have you ever used one of these? I'm talking about the ab belts which you strap around your waist, then plug into the wall. They zap you with small electrical charges for a few seconds, every few seconds. This forces your abdominal muscles to contract and tense. If you leave it on for a week, you should come out with six pack abs.. at least that's the theory.

Some people do have good results with electric ab belts, especially if they have a very busy lifestyle and can't afford 30 minutes a day for a little exercise. But generally the results you'll get from electric ab belts will be cosmetic - you won't see drastic improvements in your overall core strength, and it can be a pain to have to keep moving the electric pads around so you hit all the muscles you should.

4. Fitness wheels. These devices are a little hard to imagine if you haven't seen one already. Basically, it's a wheel with a handle sticking out of the center on either side. This means you can hold both handles and run the wheel along the floor. To use the machine, you lie on your front, putting your body weight on your toes and on your hands (holding onto the wheel). Now by contracting your abs you will pull the wheel towards you, and essentially do an upside down situp. When you release your abs, the wheel rolls away from you and you flatten out.

These machines can be tough to use - it takes a lot of balance and there is a distinct possibility of the wheel running away from you and you injuring yourself.

All in all, while ab exercise machines can be a bit of fun, they shouldn't replace a proper manual ab workout. All you need is a training mat, some floor space, some music if you want it, 30 minutes a day and a bit of elbow grease.

David Spencer is a fitness nutcase. He has spent years learning about exercise and just as long working on his own six pack abs. Getting your own flat abs is not as hard as everyone makes out - visit The Truth About Six Pack Abs to find out exactly how David and hundreds of others got theirs, and how you can get yours.