The secret to getting outstanding results is understanding what machines to use at the gym for abs and how to use them. So here are the best machines, equipment, and exercise you can do to get toned abs.
What Equipment at The Gym Is Best for Abs
Sometimes a simple tool is all you need to achieve your workout goal. But how do you know what equipment at the gym is best for abs? Let’s explore a few you may want to try out.
Crunch Bench
A Crunch Bench helps you do some of the most effective workouts for abs - crunches and sit-ups. This bench is made of a soft surface for the backrest with roller pads for supporting your feet as you do the crunches. Technogym’s Crunch Bench has raised roller pads with adjustable height and backrest.
You can raise or lower the height of the roller pads and backrest to cater to different users. The best thing about a crunch bench is the comfort and the perfect posture it provides for crunches.
Pull Up Bar
A Pull Up Bar is a simple and firm stand with handlebars at the top. You can use it to build abs and arm muscles. Pull up for abs must target the core. To do this, jump to hold the handlebars with your arms. Keep your arms straight and lift your knees towards your chest. Repeat several times, depending on your ability.
Power Bands and Elastic Bands
Resistance bands are simple but versatile. Power Bands are built in a loop shape, so you can use them to add resistance to squats. Elastic Bands, on the other hand, can be used to do kneeling crunches.
What Machines to Use at The Gym for Abs
As you probably already know, there are several gym machines that are specifically designed to train all abdominal muscles and to which you should rely if your goal is to work this part of your body.
Abdominal Crunch Machine
Technogym’s Abdominal Crunch Machine is specifically designed for ab workouts. It provides you with a safe and comfortable way to do crunches. This machine has a seat, shoulder pads with handles on them, a place to support your feet, and a load for pulling.
Crunches involve pulling the weight with your shoulders towards your knees. As you pull, your core muscles are fully engaged. Since the weight is adjustable, this machine is ideal for both beginners and advanced users.
Cable Station
Cable Stations provide a full-body workout through numerous exercises. They’re designed for strength training through elastic bands that users pull in multiple directions. With a little creativity, you can use them to build abs.
For instance, you can use them to add resistance when doing crunches. This is done by pulling bands located at the bottom of the machine with your foot while doing reverse crunches, or you can hold the hanging elastic bands at your shoulders and pull them downwards to do kneeling crunches.
Skillrow
Skillrow is built to improve rowing skills for boat riders. It’s an excellent machine for a full-body workout. However, to get the best results for abs, you have to engage your core throughout the rowing process. You can do this by leaning forward while fetching and leaning backward when finishing a row.
Abdominal Workouts in The Gym Without Tools
Machines and tools make ab workout versatile and comfortable. But you can still work out your abs without any equipment, using your own weight to create resistance. Here are some ab workouts you can do with just an exercise mat.
Crunches and sit-ups
You can perform crunches and sit-ups with or without any equipment. Using a mat, lie down on your back with both hands behind your head. Curl back your feet by slightly bending at the knees and keep them shoulder-width apart. Lift your head from the floor, up and down repetitively.
Crunches require you to move slightly off the ground, while sit-ups involve moving further to an almost sitting position. On average, three sets of crunches, each with 10 to 12 repetitions, should be enough.
Reverse crunch
Instead of lifting your head, reverse crunch involves lifting your feet. To do this, place your hands behind your head or on the floor while lying on your back. Lift your feet off the ground to a vertical position, then lower them back. You can do this several times at different speeds. You can also do it with straight legs or while bending at the knees.
Bicycle crunch
Bicycle crunches involve replicating the motions of riding a bicycle with your feet while lying on your back. You can make the movements cyclical or lateral.
Ab Workouts at The Gym for Beginners
Some of the simple ab workouts at the gym for beginners include:
Deadlifts
These are great exercises for beginners because they are easy to do, less risky, and target abdominal muscles. They involve lifting dead weights, mostly a barbell, from the ground to the quadriceps position. To do the routine right, maintain straight arms as you lift the weight. Let all movement happen at the hip.
Squats
In addition to working your leg muscles, squats are also great for abs. Lifting yourself from the squat position tightens the core muscles while lowering yourself relaxes them. To make squats more effective, add some weight to your shoulders, such as a barbell, dumbbells, or kettlebells.
Ball Pass
This is a simple and interesting workout, yet highly effective for the abs. It’s done using a wellness ball. First, lie down on your back. Second, hold the wellness ball with your feet and pass it to your arms. Then lower your feet back to the floor and bring them back to retrieve the ball.
How to Get Best Results
Do you want to sculpt a rock-hard six-pack? The midsection is one part of your body you can truly whip into shape while working out at home or at the gym. Getting the best results for abs depends on two things: using the right equipment and doing the right exercises. If you do the right exercises consistently, you’ll get favorable results.
