Guide To Using An Ab Bench

To get the most from your ab bench, you'll want to take advantage of the fact that the bench is adjustable. Not only is it adjustable to fit your body type, but the angle that you work your abs is also adjustable. This makes using an ab board both fun and more effective.

Before you hop on your bench, you'll want to make sure that you're warmed up. To prevent injury, it's best to do this. Start by doing a light jog or some other easy cardio work that will get the blood flowing. After about 5-10 minutes, then do some light stretching. You want the muscles to be stretched, but you won't want to force the stretch as that will potentially damage the msucle. So, keep it light.

You're almost ready to get on your ab board. Before you do, decide how to adjust your bench. You can vary the angle, and different models allow for different levels of adjustment. In general, the greater the angle, the harder you'll work your abs. So, it's best if you're a beginner to keep the board flat and build up your strength.

A stronger person will want to take advantage of the deeper angles. This will allow them to work their abs with more intensity. If you're unsure how strong you are, I would suggest starting with no decline. After a few workouts, change the decline to the next lowest setting and see how that feels.

Once your adjustments are made climb on the bench. Pull in your stomach, not hard, but you do want to move your belly button closer to your spine to get better results. Now, pull yourself up, exhaling as you pull forward.

Be sure not to swing your arms or your head to gain moment. Let your abs do the work. If you can't go all the way up to start, that's fine. Just go as far as you can. You'll build up to a complete range of motion, if you keep at it.

I'd suggest 3 sets of 20 repetitions. When you're done, move on to the next exercise which works the lower abs.

To hit your lower abs, you will find it easiest to change positions so that your head is where your feet normally are anchored. Hold on to the ab board by grabbing either the board or the foot anchors with your hands. Again, bring your navel to you spine, exhale and curl your knees towards your chest. That's one rep. Do this exercise 20 times for a total of 3 sets.

As you progress, you can add weight to your exercises. For the crunches and sit ups, you can hold a weight across your chest. For the lower ab exercise I described, you can add ankle weights to give you more resistance.

See more ab benches in our store!!!

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