It is possible to get a flat stomach and toned abs without the use of any exercise machines.

Most exercise machines promise you amazing results in an unrealistically short amount of time, and write a little text at the bottom that says something like "Your individual results may vary". They do that to sell their exercise equipment.

Whatever the reason may be, such promises only contribute to the myth that you need a piece of abdominal training equipment to get great abs.

The truth is, most exercise machines (there are a few exceptions) aren't any better then regular ab exercises using your body weight alone. Some abdominal machines are much less effective than regular crunches.

I am always amazed when I see a piece of exercise equipment like this. Why bother designing a machine that is worse then the most basic exercise? They want to take your money. Not to help you get a flat stomach.

There are very few abdominal training machines that actually work. This may come as a surprise to you but the best piece of abdominal equipment is a large exercise ball. Not the ABCRUCH2000 or whatever they try to sell you right now on TV.

Don't pay a lot of money for expensive exercise equipment, it won't make a difference. If you are determined to get a flat stomach you should do three simple abdominal exercises, do some cardio and adjust your diet.

If you don't plan to do this there is no magical piece of abdominal equipment that will help you.

They will promise you great results, cover them self from lawsuits with fine print at the bottom of the ad. And you will pay for something you don't need.

The basic abdominal workout, that can be found on this site or elsewhere is enough for most people.

When you start to get strong abs, you may want to use a piece of ab equipment to give you a higher challenge, but even then you need to choose carefully.

Abdominal Exercise Equipment - How do I determine what works?

To evaluate whether a machine is worth using should be reasonably simple. If it encourages an ab contraction under a load it is good, if not don't bother. An ab contraction is when the sternum is pulled toward the pubic bone or vice versa as the main action.

The exercise Ball

Like I said before, this is the best piece of equipment for your abs.

You can do various abdominal exercises with an exercise ball. Choose an exercise ball that allows your knees to be at a right angle when you sit on the ball with your feet on the floor. The firmer the fitness ball, the more difficult the exercise will be.

Sample Exercise ball exercise: Sit on the exercise ball with your feet resting on the floor, about hip-width apart. Keep your back straight. Cross your arms on your chest. Tighten your abdominal muscles, and lean back until your abdominal muscles kick in. Hold for three deep breaths. Return to the start position and repeat. Start with five repetitions. As you get stronger, gradually increase to 10 to 15 repetitions. Remember to breathe freely and deeply during the exercise.