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A newer version of the original Ab Lounger, the AbLounger XL boasts a few improvements, but works around the same principle of supporting the body while you perform a series of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!

When it comes to purchasing abdominal fitness equipment for home use, there are a few important factors to consider.

1. Cost: The amount of money you are able and willing to spend on home fitness equipment will play a large part in directing what sort of machine you purchase. Various versions of the Ab Lounger (also known as the Ab Lounge) sell for $100 and up. If you’re prepared to make this sort of investment, then read on.

2. Ease of Use: The Ab Lounger has a fairly simple design. Fully set up it looks like a chair or folding cot: mesh stretched around a metal frame. The machine hinges in the middle so that the upper and lower body can move with the contraction and extension of the abdominal muscles. An overhead handle and lower leg or footrest (depending on the model) provide anchor points to keep your body in the right position. To target the obliques you can simply turn your knees and hips to one side or the other and perform the same motion. Most Ab Lounger reviews that I have read agree that this is a relatively simple device to use.

3. Effectiveness: As long as you remember to initiate the movement with your abdominals (and not by pulling forward on the overhead handle), the device will give you a workout similar to doing crunches. (The company claims that it is much more effective than a standard crunch.) The machine does a good job of supporting the neck and shoulders: areas where many people experience pain or tightness during traditional crunching workouts.

It also folds flat, so it can be stored under a bed or other small space. I read a number of positive Ablounger reviews; and multiple customers swear to the fact that this machine has changed their lives. If you’re seriously considering purchasing this piece of equipment, it’s worth finding one at a fitness store and trying it out to make sure it works well for you.

Finally, here’s my personal review: like any piece of fitness equipment, this one is only as good as the effort you put into using it. Happy lounging!

At first glance I see nothing inherently wrong with the Ablounger chair (also called the Ab Lounge) as an aid to abdominal exercise. The theory behind the machine is fairly simple: support the upper and lower body and provide a smooth fulcrum to reduce muscle strain and make the traditional crunch easier for the average person.

Manufacturers of the Ab Lounger chair, however, do not want this machine to be seen simply as an assistant to the crunch (because that would be boring, and possibly not worth $100 and up). The device’s signature move— the jackknife— takes an exerciser from a hyper-extended position (back slightly arched) to a full pike. I should note that most users will have to work for awhile, and probably incorporate a separate stretching regimen, to be able to use this full range of motion.

As an assistant to fairly basic abdominal exercise movements, the Ab Lounger chair does a pretty good job. Its design is simple enough to be easily understood by the average consumer, and if you don’t mind having to drag it out from under the bed (because it folds flat for storage) when you want to work out, it’s not a bad piece of equipment.

Is the Ablounger chair a necessary addition to your home gym? Well, if you really have a home gym and can afford one (they come in a few different models, so weigh the options against your budget): sure. If you don’t have a home gym but really want an ab exercise machine because you’ve been hearing about how important that “core strength” is: maybe. If there’s no way you’ll ever get a good abdominal workout without a piece of equipment, and you’re absolutely positive that you’re going to use it every single day until it breaks or your house burns down (and even under such extreme circumstances, you’ll do your best to save the Ab Lounger chair first): sure.

Keep in mind that the best and worst exercise equipment is only as good as the amount of time and effort you put into using it. So go forth and be fit.