Ellipticals, captain's chairs, rowers and cable systems are among the best gym machines for your abs.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com
- Cardio Machines
- Strength Machines
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Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com
Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill (EchelonFit.com, $1,000.99) Sunny Health and Fitness Foldable Walking Treadmill (SunnyHealthFitness.com, $399.99) Bowflex Treadmill 22 (Bowflex.com, $2,699)
In the game of treadmill vs. elliptical for belly fat, the real winner is… it depends. Which one can you put more effort into? Because greater effort means more calories burned. Whenever you sprint on the treadmill or elliptical, you’re forced to contract your abs with more emphasis than you would with moderate-intensity training. This produces maximal power output during which you burn a higher number of calories both during and after you exercise. The lingering effect of this high-caloric expenditure is called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). By using cardio machines this way, you not only feel your abs working, but you also burn abdominal fat faster. Your best bet is to alternate back and forth from high to low intensity (ex. 30 to 60 seconds of each).
Whenever you sprint on the treadmill or elliptical, you’re forced to contract your abs with more emphasis than you would with moderate-intensity training. This produces maximal power output during which you burn a higher number of calories both during and after you exercise.
The lingering effect of this high-caloric expenditure is called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). By using cardio machines this way, you not only feel your abs working, but you also burn abdominal fat faster. Your best bet is to alternate back and forth from high to low intensity (ex. 30 to 60 seconds of each).
Region
Core and Upper Body
Goal
Build Muscle
With interlaced fingers or a hand-over-hand grip, grab a resistance band that’s set to chest height. Stand with the anchor of the band directly to your left, and step to the left until the band is taut and trying to twist you towards the anchor. At this distance, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, and bend your knees slightly. Hold the handle in front of your chest. Brace your core. Slowly press your arms in front of you until they’re almost completely straight. Pause for a beat, then bring them back to your chest. Do all your reps this way, then turn around and repeat with the anchor of the band to your right.
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Region
Core and Upper Body
Goal
Build Muscle
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Hang from the bar with an overhand grip (palms facing away from you), hands about shoulder-width apart. Keep your shoulders back and down. Pull your chin toward the bar by bending your elbows. To help engage your back, concentrate on bringing your elbows down to touch your lats instead of thinking about bringing your chin over the bar. Return to the start position, and repeat.
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Region
Core
Goal
Build Muscle
Standing in the captain’s chair (or Roman chair) frame, lay your forearms over the padded armrests and, if available, grab any handles. Bracing your core, lift your legs with knees slightly bent until your quadriceps muscles and the floor are parallel (or as close to parallel as you can get. In a slow and controlled manner, lower your legs to return to starting position.
Show Instructions
Region
Core
Goal
Build Muscle
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