Let’s face it. One of the main reasons why you enrolled in a prestigious gym like Gold’s Gym is to have six-pack abs. After all, having killer abs will not only make you look fit but a lot more attractive to the opposite sex. You’ll be more confident wearing a bikini or swimming trunks the next time you head to the gym. So what are the gym equipment you need to focus on the next time you hit your favorite gym like 24 Hour Fitness?
Exercise Ball
Never overlook the humble exercise ball. This lightweight and bouncy ball is one of the best gym equipment you can use to strengthen your abs. The ab exercises you abhor like the crunches can be modified with a workout using the exercise ball. So how do you do it?
Sit in the middle of the ball with your feet flat on the floor. Lie back on the exercise ball, with your torso congruent to the ground. You may put your arms over your chest, or put your hands behind your head. As you contract your abs muscles, slowly raise your upper torso until the shoulders are raised from the ball. Lower your torso and repeat this 15 to 20 times.
Rowing Machines
The rowing machine is a versatile gym equipment as it targets both the upper and lower torsos. It also engages our core muscles thus lessening the risks of injuries. The upper and lower abdominal muscles form the core muscles, including the oblique muscles and lower back. Of course, using the rowing machine provides you with an excellent cardiovascular workout that burns fats. You must remember that fats usually stay around the stomach area.
Treadmill
Running or jogging on the treadmill is one of the best ways to burn calories. The number of calories you can burn on the treadmill will depend on the speed and resistance level. Usually, a 150 pound individual who spends 30 minutes on the treadmill will burn up to 400 calories. As you may have known by now, you need to burn 3,500 calories to lose a pound of fat.
Captain’s Chair
A large piece of gym equipment, the captain’s chair targets the oblique muscles and the rectus abdominis, or muscles that are located in an area spanning from the rib cage up to the pubic bone. When using this gym equipment, hold on to the handles on both sides while placing your forearms on the pads. Slowly lift your knees close to your chest and return to the original position. Repeat at least two sets with up to 15 repetitions.
Torso-Twist Machine
This piece of gym equipment targets the oblique muscles, or the so-called love handles. To properly utilize this machine, ensure that the seat allows you to reach for the arm handles. You can kneel or sit on the knee pad depending on the machine. Grab the handles and gradually twist your hips to lift your body, or twist your ribs depending on the machine’s orientation. Then go back to the starting position to complete one repetition.