We’ve all seen those seemingly endless infomercials, plugging the latest bit of expensive exercise equipment, but the best equipment for perfect abs has been around for a long time. These products can give people some results, but unfortunately not as good as some of the things we have used for years. You might be asking what I think is the best abs equipment. There are three that I think are the best, and I’ll tell you why in this article.
#1 The Classic Chin-Up Bar
This is far and away the best piece of ab equipment out there. As you hang and lift your legs at the same time, you are getting a fantastic abs workout. Have you ever noticed a gymnast’s abs? Nothing forces your abs to contract more strongly than a hanging leg raise. This is a very difficult move, which is why a lot of people do not do them. Very few people have the overall core strength to do several sets of these. Whether you do hanging leg raises with your legs bent or with legs straight, it will eventually create a carved mid section. This has long been a favorite move of mine; however once I read “Convict Conditioning”, a new book about working out, I am even more of a fan now. Paul Wade, the author of “Convict Conditioning”, points out that some of the best abs are found on those who are serving time in a penitentiary, and they rely heavily on the hanging leg raise.
#2 The Ab Wheel
Poke around in any sporting good store and you can find an older ab wheel model for less than $15. Doing ab wheel roll-out develops the entire torso and not just your abs. A stronger torso means your abs will be better able to protect your spine. Your abs will be incredibly defined if you use an ab wheel to perform ab roll-outs and a chin up bar to perform hanging leg raises.
#3. A Cushioned Floor Mat
This might be the most important piece of abs equipment of all. Since most carpets are padded, you can possibly get away without one of these. That being said, a good exercise mat will make every floor exercise more comfortable. You’ll feel less sore if you use a floor mat for such exercises as a lying leg raise. The same goes for performing planks. In fact, I always finish off every ab workout with 1-2 sets of planks. If I make the attempt without a mat, it can be excruciating.
Just Three Simple Pieces Will Give You a Better Ab Workout Then Any Infomercial Gadget
Even if you just have a chin-up bar, you’ll see a great improvement. With a quick Google search, you’ll be able to find several low cost models that can be easily installed in your home. In addition to your hanging leg raises, you can also use the bar to pull some chin-ups and shape your upper body as well. So for the best abs equipment, think “old school”.