Now that the Lombardi trophy is in their possession and their championship rings have been fit, the Pittsburgh Steelers are revealing the fitness toy that helped them win Super Bowl XLIII.
According to the team’s trainer, the Ab Coaster was an integral part of the Steelers training regimen in 2008.
Yes, the same Ab Coaster that is advertised on late-night TV every… single… night. Persistence paid off for Ab Coaster marketers, because the Steelers are now crediting the $400 machine for their abs of steel. Following their Super Bowl win a number of players and trainers raved to news reporters about the effectiveness and quality of the Ab Coaster abdominal workout.
The exercise machine claims to offer an abdominal workout like no other. According to the demo video, unlike traditional crunches, which work your abs from the “top down,” the Ab Coaster works your abs from the “bottom up.” Another bonus of the machine: You kneel on it rather than sit on it. In doing so, Ab Coaster designers say you reduce stress to your neck, back and shoulders. In addition, the machine’s curved track guides you through a lower abdominal lift, similar to a glider for your abs.
But before you run out and plunk down your first of four “easy” installments of $99.99, you should know that not every fitness buff backs the Ab Coaster. Some exercise experts, who also put the Ab Coaster to the test, say the machine is not worth its hefty price tag.
Several members of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) noted that the Ab Coaster is limiting. Here’s why: Individual’s have four layers of abdominal muscles that connect the spine, ribs and abs. Experts say it’s important to have all muscles moving together instead of just one to strengthen the core. Since the Ab Coaster only uses one path of front-to-back motion, it limits muscle use.
Bottom line: If you have $400 to spare, then the Ab Coaster might be worth purchasing. However, experts say you can get a similar type workout with an inexpensive stability ball or a medicine ball.
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