Why it’s useless: The ab machine can be awkward at best, and injurious at worst , says Holland. “Users of different heights and fitness levels often have a difficult time activating their abdominal muscles correctly.” What to do instead: Planks offer a much more natural alternative to build strength, says Holland.
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Ab machines do, however, ignore one key aspect to training the abs – stabilization. A lot of the machines will aid in mobilization, but they can’t help your deep stabilizing core muscles . Swiss balls are huge for stabilization. Instead of doing crunches on the floor, get up and onto a Swiss ball and do some crunches.
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