Ab Loung XL - is this ab exercising equipment worth the money

[Sarita]

Hi folks

My mum is thinking of buying this piece of equipment to exercise her abs

http://www.bestdirect.tv/product-Ab-Lounge-XL--DVD--Meal-Planner-and-Exercise-Tips-BDA06858W.htm

It is like a flat bed thing and it extends your range of motion beyond 180 degrees. I'm concerned as I don't think it looks great for the lower back and I think maybe the kind of exercise it does would only work the hip flexors rather than the abs any way.

I'm no health and fitness professional so would appreciate people'sinput. At £200 it's not cheap and I'm worried she might end up blowing her cash

Many thanks

Sarah

[Arnoo]

just dont............

get a medicine ball or an abb roller instead

[Frodocious]

i agree with Arnoo. It is an expensive gadget that, most likely, will end up sitting unused in the garage. If she wants to work her abs there are better and cheaper ways to do it.

Why does your mum want to work her abs? If she thinks that by buying that piece of kit it will reduce her waistline and give her visible muscles, she is wrong. The best way to get leaner is through a combination of healthy eating, weight training and cardio. Your mother would be better off sorting out her diet and getting an overall exercise plan, than spending her money on that contraption. That being said, if by buying it she is spurred into sorting her diet and exercise routine out, then maybe it's worth considering.

[Fusen]

Buy a swiss ball, and use the 190 quid change on a gym membership.

[Sarita]

Depressing: Everything you've said - it's all things I've told her already, especially that the Swiss ball is a much better bet.

I think the power of the BidUp TV seller is going to win out though.

I'm advising her to look on Freecycle for one as there are bound to be loads floating around for free so at least it'll save her a couple of hundred quid

[Gary]

You can pick up an ab roller for £5-£10, or you can build a two wheel variety and try some of these exercises from Ross Enemait, anyone that can manage a one armed full rollout is going to have crazy abdominal strength!

http://www.rosstraining.com/articles/wheel.html

[Sarita]

Do you know, I think she had something similar to that, years ago. I'll get her to have a look in the attic - then she can get on the Ross Workout!!