Are ab machines pointless?

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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Are crunches actually effective?

Like situps, crunches help you build muscle. But unlike situps, they work only the abdominal muscles . This intense muscle isolation makes them a popular exercise for people trying to get six-pack abs. This also makes them ideal for strengthening your core, which includes your lower back muscles and obliques.

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