When people think of abdominal exercise equipment, the popular as-seen-on-tv products like the Ab Roller or Ab Lounge probably come to mind. The truth is, these pieces of equipment aren’t needed in order to see results from ab exercises.
Tennis Shoes
Sneakers are a must have piece of equipment when doing any type of exercise. Most may not look at tennis shoes as a piece of exercise equipment, but they should be. Not only will they help to protect the toes, shoes also help promote better posture.
Exercise or Yoga Mat
A yoga or exercise mat can simply be used to provide comfort when performing abdominal exercises on the floor or ground. Exercise mats are available in a wide variety of colors and are fairly inexpensive. Many of them even come with a traveling case making it easy to carry them from place-to-place if needed. For those who like to be frugal, a towel or blanket may work just fine too.
Medicine Ball
A medicine ball is a great piece of oblique exercise equipment. These balls are weighted and come in various weights and sizes and will help to tone the sides of the abdomen, also called the obliques. The obliques are the muscles that run vertical down alongside the abdominal wall.
One exercise that can be performed using a medicine ball includes medicine ball twists. This exercise can be done either while sitting on the floor or while standing. To get ready for the movement, stand or sit with feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the ball in front of the body with both hands. To execute the move, slowly twist to the left side, then over to the right side. Repeat for the desired number of reps. Be sure to use controlled movements to help prevent spine injuries.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are very inexpensive pieces of abdominal exercise equipment that can be used to add resistance to abdominal exercises. They can be used while doing crunches, sit-ups and oblique twists. Dumbbells are a great investment because they can be used to perform a number of other exercises including dumbbell presses, shoulder presses and squats.
Exercise Ball
An exercise ball, also known as a stability ball, actually originated from physical therapy and rehab facilities. Doctors and fitness trainers soon began to realize how beneficial they could be for the general population. A stability ball can be used in place of a regular chair to give the abdominals a good workout. The core will constantly have to work to be sure the body stays balanced on the ball. Exercise balls can also be used to perform crunches, twists and other abdominal exercises.
It’s not necessary to spend an enormous amount of money on abdominal exercise equipment to get a great workout. The ab equipment seen on infomercials may work, but there are also many other pieces of equipment that will prove to be just as effective, but with a cheaper price tag.
If belly fat is hiding the abdominals, here is how to lose stomach weight. Once this weight is lost, the abs will be able to be seen through the skin.