Absolute Ab Exercises

Have you been awake at 2am watching an infomercial and wondering if you could get those 6-pack abs from the latest abdominal device?  Well, next time you are tempted, get down on the floor and do some old-fashioned curl-ups knowing these are safer and more effective than any piece of equipment (unless you are talking about Pilates apparatus). 

The problem with many of the abdominal devices such as the AbSwing is that they over-promise and under-deliver.  Both Consumer Reports and the American Council on Exercises strongly urge consumers to try it before you buy it!  TV ads with good looking models are designed to lure you with their promises of spot reduction.  Remember, spot reduction cannot be achieved.  Often, clients will notice a change in a particular spot they are trying to target because their entire body has lost inches, not just one particular body area. 

Dr. Stuart McGill from the University of Waterloo, Canada, reveals that the abdominal crunch (curl up with knees- bent) promotes the most muscular strengthening while decreasing the load on the spine.  Traditional abdominal machines in the gym or other home use models have been shown to place harmful loads on the lumbar spine according to Sabrena Newton-Merrill, M.S.  Individuals most susceptible to these harmful loads are those that are deconditioned and inexperienced exercises.  The American Council on Exercise holds the opinion that ab exercises are safest when performed without additional props with proper supervision and form. 

Pilates mat class anyone?  This is one of the best abdominal workouts around!  Forget the fancy gadgets, check http://www.powerpilates.com/studio/index.html to find a studio/class near you.