Ab Lounger Guide

A newer version of the original Ab Lounger, the AbLounger XL boasts a few improvements, but works around the same principle of supporting the body while you perform a series of abdominal crunches and hyperextensions backward. This “jackknife” motion is the signature feature of both the AbLounger and this newer version.

As abdominal exercise machines go, the AbLounger XL functions on a fairly simple design. A mesh, chair-like structure fully supports both the upper and lower body, and hinges in the middle, to allow flexion and extension at the abdomen. Handles above the head and foot pedals at the opposite end allow an exerciser to stay centrally positioned while performing the crunch or pike motion of bringing the two halves of the body toward one another.

Personally, I’m a little wary of abdominal machines that have overhead handles, or that “lock” your feet into a certain position, because forces exerted by straining at these areas can easily take away from the abdominal workout. When using the device , for example, the goal is to move the machine, and your body mainly be contracting the abdominals. However, the same movement can be achieved by pulling forward on the overhead bar: a movement that engages chest, shoulder, upper arm, and even some upper back muscles. Recruiting more muscles to perform the task that the abdominals are meant to do alone is the body’s way of cheating, or lessening the load that the abs have to work with.

It is obvious from the company’s website that the AbLounger XL has created many satisfied customers. A number of the testimonials about the machine even tout it as “life changing.” As a thrifty consumer, and one who likes to avoid collecting lots of things that will just clutter up my house, I don’t think I’ll be purchasing one any time soon. More likely than not, it would end up in some corner, half-hidden under discarded clothes and old mail. For this reason, I’d rather spend the $100 (plus shipping and handling) on a couple months of a health club or fitness studio membership. But if—unlike me—you’ll actually use it every day, then I see nothing inherently wrong with this piece of equipment. I mean, you’ll look a bit silly, but have fun!

This entry was posted on Monday, November 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.