Abdominal Trainers

It is very important to not only the way you look, but also your posture and performance, that you have strong, toned abdominal muscles.

There are a number of ways to do this, including using abdominal trainers such as Ab crunchers and rollers. These are inexpensive pieces of gym equipment and can help you to develop you abdominal muscles.

The crunchers available offer swivelling head support so your head and neck are supported and you can isolate your abdominal muscles.

The rocker system mimics spinal flexion while supporting the head, neck and upper body.

If you have toned abdominal muscles:

• You ease the strain on your back from any excess weight.


• You improve your posture without having to think about it.


• You will increase your stamina and endurance.


• You will lower your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes just by having less body fat.


• You will be protected from injuries during exercise.


• Overall, you will feel and look better.

To develop well toned and defined abdominal muscles (Baywatch style), you will need to shed any excess weight you are carrying.

• This will mean following a healthy eating plan where you consume fewer calories than your body burns off.


• You will need to be committed to a program – which means sticking to it!


• Get into the habit, and before long you will be exercising without even having to remind yourself.


• Combine abdominal training with cardiovascular exercise, to shrink the fat cells. This could be any kind of activity that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat. Do this for 20-30 minutes 3-4 times weekly.


• Train your abdominals at the end of a workout, or on a different day.


• Abdominal exercises should be done 2-3 times a week. Each exercise should be given 1-3 sets of 10-20 repetitions.


• Crunches work your upper abdominals (hold for 3 seconds), and leg lifts work your upper abdominals.