Ab Lounge? Anyone use it or other *not so expensive* equipment???

My niece has one that is covered in laundry! But seriously,the only time in my life I had abs to speak of they came from Tae Bo tapes [30 min. per day].It's fun too.I should dig those suckers out......

Tena

 My mom has one of those, and ummm, I wouldn't recommend it at all. Right now hers is actually used to hold random stuff!

I agree about the Tae Bo tapes!! I did them for awhile and had great results! Also, Pilates is a great ab workout and you can buy those dvd's for about $15 or less.

 We have an ab lounge. I put a pillow up the in the head area, and then I use it like a recliner when I play video games.

LOL!!!! i could so picture that....

I bought something very similar to this

 Power Stand

 It's not small, can't be folded up and stashed in a corner, but it makes a nice hanging rack when not in use.    When I use it  my abs are amazing.  It works all of them, all the way down to that pooch below the belly button that is almost impossible to hit any other way with my back injury.  I love it and it's totally worth the space it takes up in my house. 

That power stand looks similar to a piece of equipment in my gym and it works very well for the abs. The only ab workout gadget we've bought is the thing that has a wheel with handles on the side. I never found out if it would help my abs because it killed my arms and shoulders just to try it out. It's almost like doing push-ups and you need a lot of upper body strength to do it right.

 My niece has an Ab Lounger.  Its worked great for her, but she's like borderline OCD so when she sets her mind to something she follows through.  Me, not so much.  I like the recliner idea though.

One other inexpensive tool is a BIG exercise ball.It supports your back nicely and allows for sideways curls to get you obliques[love handles].Like huskymom says though, the commitment in your mind will be the thing that determines your sucess.

Tena

Ive wanted one of those for ages but.... where do you put it???!!!! 

Chuffy

Ive wanted one of those for ages but.... where do you put it???!!!! 

I have the balance ball and I keep it right here in my office. I agree that it's one of the best (and least expensive) tools to work not only the abs, but just about every part of your body.

 I agree with the balance ball. you can do situps on it with your feet on the wall, then if you want more of a challenge extend your arms above your head & continue doing the sit up.

I did a pretty crazy ab workout @ class the other day we did: 

leg raises ( lying on back with physio ball between your legs) x 50,

bicycle 'crunch' with touching opposite elbows to knees x 50,

'jack knife' on the ball ( push up position with shins on ball - tighten abs, pull legs in - butt goes in air) x 20,

side jack knifes ( lying on side, raise top leg, crunch with upper body touch elbow to leg) x25 each side, 

'butt raises' ( lying on back, legs 90 degrees lift butt off ground) x 50,

V-sit with 'bicycle legs' twist with medicine ball x 50,

then we did sit up & twist crunches ( legs up, crunch up, twist touch elbow to knee) x50.

 i think a physio ball, a medicine ball are good things to have - then a little know how & you're set!  I've learned so many awesome things to do at home with almost no equipment, that really kicks your butt.

My brother had one but it broke, I don't know where its at....

akyramoto82

'jack knife' on the ball ( push up position with shins on ball - tighten abs, pull legs in - butt goes in air) x 20,

side jack knifes ( lying on side, raise top leg, crunch with upper body touch elbow to leg) x25 each side, 

I love the "jack knife" and it really works the abs. I'm very uncoordinated, so I think I'd need a helmet or padded walls to try the side jack knifes . It does sound like a very intense workout. Were you able to sit up the next day?