What Machine Helps Flatten a Stomach?

Sit-ups, abdominal crunches and twists are just some of the basic abdominal exercises that can help flatten the stomach and strengthen the midsection. There are several types of ab machines that can help you complete these exercises with proper form, and enhance your results.

Significance

Abdominal machines are designed to target the core muscles in the midsection; these muscles include the upper and lower abs, the obliques and the lower back. Strengthening and developing these muscles offers several health benefits, and each machine targets different muscle groups. Combining abdominal workouts with total body strength training and cardiovascular exercise can be an effective way to lose weight and sculpt the body so it appears toned and firm.

Types

Abdominal machines and equipment that may help flatten the stomach include ab loungers, ab wheels and ab sliders, stability balls and abdominal benches. Machine exercises can be combined with stretching and cardio exercises for optimal results.

Function

Ab loungers look like a lounge chair and are designed to support the back as each crunch and sit-up is performed. Ab wheels look like dumbbells on wheels; you simply push and pull the wheel on the ground in a kneeling position to strengthen the shoulder, back, arms and abs in one step. Ab sliders are floor-based machines and involve kneeling on a pad while sliding a set of handles back and forth; these also target the shoulder, back, arms and abs. The stability ball is a large rubber ball that can be used for stretching and strengthening exercises; the ball requires maintaining good posture while performing each sequence, which forces the core muscles to work harder. The abdominal bench is an adjustable piece of gym equipment that holds the body in place while you do a sit-up or crunch; this allows you to target certain muscle groups.

Benefits

A strong midsection and well-developed core muscles can improve your posture, increase range of motion in your upper body and reduce the risk of injury as you perform upper and lower body exercise routines. Abdominal machines can also help to sculpt and firm the midsection by tightening the internal and external obliques and strengthening the upper and lower abs.

Misconceptions

Ab machines and other exercise equipment designed to tighten and tone the midsection cannot produce results in and of themselves. People who use these machines must follow a healthy diet and undertake cardiovascular exercise on a regular basis to burn fat from the midsection. Ab machines are most beneficial for those who want to improve their posture, strengthen their core muscles and tighten up loose skin around their waist. These machines are not a quick fix solution for getting rid of abdominal body fat.