ab chairs?

[Happyme]

Has anyone used the ab chairs? I'm not sure of the exact name for them but I had someone at work suggest getting one. She has one and she thinks it has really helped her. I would like more input before I buy one. I need extra support for my head and neck when I do crunches so this may do the trick?

[Isabeau]

I don't know about that apparatus, but you might find stability balls really great. Honestly, I've never had a better core workout and the ball really supports your back.

[ciaobella]

i really like abchairs/benches!! it ensures that you are using you abs and not your back or chest when you are doing your workout.....i think it really works well

[Happyme]

Thanks ciaobella, Do you have one? What are the prices on those do you know? I looked on ebay and the shipping is way to high! Can I find one at walmart or just in exercise stores. I am really hoping that it is what I have been looking for. I need the support when doing my crunches.

Isabeau, I have a stability ball and I can use it for other things but crunches are to hard for me to do on the ball. It gives me no support for my back and neck. I think that the other exercises on the ball are fun to do.

[Jake]

Personally I find the chairs to be a waste of money, they don't even specifically target the abs for most of them. Stick to a ball or just do regular crunches. Don't forget there is a difference between a situp and a crunch, if you do the crunches correctly in proper form you shouldn't be getting any discomfort in the back etc.

[Happyme]

Hi 64oz, Could you tell me how to do crunches with out hurting my neck? Thanks :wave

[anotherkim]

I just read a home fitness review---now I have to remember where---that said the chairs were a total waste of money. The only apparatus you should spend money on is the ball. Otherwise, it's all about the good old floor.

[Jake]

This site should help you understand easier how to do all sorts of ab exercises.

http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/abstudy_top.aspx

Let me know if you need more explanation, I think it will be easier for you to understand this way they provide a little illustration also.

This is how they describe the traditional crunch..

Traditional Crunch: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor in front of you. Lie on an exercise mat rather than hard floor to prevent back strain. Position your feet hip distance apart. Place your hands behind your head so that your thumbs are tucked behind your ears. Hold elbows slightly out to the sides and keep chin pointing upward. Curl up and forward lifting your head neck and shoulder blades off the floor. Make sure you’re not pulling your head forward with your hands. Keep a fists distance between your chin and chest to be sure to target your abs and not strain your neck. Pause at the top of the movement and tighten your abdominals. Slowly lower your head, neck & shoulder blades as you inhale and return to starting position. Remember to keep knees bent and back straight throughout entire exercise.

[Isabeau]

In fact you can even take one hand, make a fist and stick it under your chin while doing the crunch to check if you're head is in a good position. Your fist should fit nicely between your chin and chest. Just a quick and easy way to see that your not hyper extending your neck or driving your chin into your chest.

[snorkelman]

I agree that the chairs are a waste. In fact - almost every type of crappy piece of equipment that you can buy for the abs is usuallya waste of money.

I do abs with a stability ball, but doing crunches on the floor is just fine too.

I also think that reverse crunches are the second best exercise for abs.

[Piasabird]

I just thought that I'd put my 2 cents in here and tell my experience.

When I first started doing ab crunches it hurt my neck. I kept trying and working through the discomfort. My neck muscles became stronger and I found that I could do more crunches without any pain. It does take time though. If you are truly feeling pain and it's not because your muscles are weak and you're not use to working them in such a fashion, then perhaps you should check with a physician.