The Ab Lounge

[Simmers]

Anyone try this thing? When I do normal crunches my neck strains really badly, to the point I can only do about 50-100 crunches and I literally cannot stand the pain to do anymore. I went to my Doctor and he told me everything was okay, but it obviously isn't. The Ab Lounge supports the neck, so I was wondering if it is possible to even get a six pack with this machine?

Thanks

 

[bassman]

You shouldn't be doing that many crunches to begin with. Do weighted crunches and work them hard like all your other muscle groups.

I think 99% of those ab machines are junk, they usually end up collecting dust.

You just need a better ab routine. Try doing some weighted crunches, reverse crunches, hanging knee lifts, weighted swiss ball crunches or my favorite (see below)

Start by sitting flat on the floor with your legs out in front of you.
Bend your knees and bring your heels about 12 away from your butt.
Place your hands on the outside of your knees with your fingers wrapped around the front of your knees.
Lean back until your arms are stretched straight out.
Now let go, keep your feet flat on the floor and try to raise your arms straight up over your head. (Key word "try")
This should be fairly tough to do, hold that position for 10 seconds, return to the starting position, rest 10 seconds and do it all again.
Repeat until you cry like a little girl.

Done properly none of these exercises hurt your neck at all.

Six packs come from low body fat, not a machine.

 

[gymtime]

The idea that this thing "supports your neck" is misleading. Technically it does, however it simply reinforces an incorrect motion. Crunches done correctly shouldn't strain your neck at all.

My guess is that in your crunch motion you're probably holding your hands behind your head and bringing your head toward your knee. This is incorrect form. Ideally, your head should be moving in a more upward motion than forward. And your hands should not be supporting your head, but really only touching it with your elbows out. This will isolate your mid section and put no real pressure on your neck.

 

[fitricise]

what are reverse crunches and hanging knee lifts?

 

[bassman]

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/RectusAbdominis/WtHangingLegHipRaise.html

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/excercise/picREVERSE CRUNCHES.htm

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

Imo, for a strictly crunch type motion, CAble crunches performed properly are the best. Build up to bodyweight for 10-15 and if you have low bodyfat you are gonna have a serious 6 pack.

Hanging leg raises with elbows none supported to the bar are my favs for lower abs.

 

[fitricise]

what are cable crunches?

 

[LB44]

I was wondering if it is possible to even get a six pack with this machine?

Thanks

No machine is going to give you a six pack! If you want abs get your diet in check before you even think about your ab routine. You can build the best sixpack the world has ever known but it wont be for shit if theres a layer of fat over it.

 

[anthrax]

Crunches are overated

 

[jenscats5]

Crunches used to hurt my neck also, but that was because I was doing them wrong!!

Picture holding an apple with your chin & really focus on keeping your neck still but don't clench your neck -- if you are clenching your neck doing ab work, then your abs aren't doing all the work.......

 

[Y_lifter]

Use a cybex ab machine where you crunch down using your chest seated...

 

[JKurz1]

it's all in your diet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wnt2bBeast]

crunches suck ass
try ab pull downs
incline sits
leg raises
and the ab wheel
use weight when the reps are too easy

those will give you a strong core and when you decide to diet down to see those abs they will be in good shape

 

[cmdubs]

I like weighted swiss-ball crunches..feels like it works your entire trunk.

 

[Silvertide]

Needsize crunches made my abs blow up, and the most weight I've ever used is 10 lbs.

 

[fitricise]

Needsize crunches made my abs blow up, and the most weight I've ever used is 10 lbs.

how do you do these?

 

[anthrax]

I like weighted swiss-ball crunches..feels like it works your entire trunk.

How you do them ?

I've tried several times with a 25 to 45 plate still I don't feel it in my abs

 

[Lee]

if u can do 50-100 crunches, get on a slant board with a 45 pounder on yer chest and see hwo many u can do. i used to be able to 3 sets of 10 of those. i had enourmours abs, just couldnt see em, lol