AbMat Abdominal Workout - Why Buy?!
Written: Apr 23 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Provides Support
Cons: You Don't Really Need It
The Bottom Line: The AbMat might be good for older people with bad backs.
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| spongebob_man1's Full Review: AbMat Abdominal Workout |
Does the AbMat really help me get those ripped abs I see on TV?!
The answer? NO. It does not. But that's not what this is marketed for. The manufacterer says it helps reduce back pain, which it does - if you don't know how to do a proper situp or crunch. This is one of those products that no one really needs, but tend to be popular anyway.
The only justification for buying this would be if you have horrible form when doing situps or crunches and you simply refuse to learn (and utilize!) proper form. The AbMat in and of itself does not help you build better abs. It only compensates for bad form.
The only abdominal exercises I can see this being useful for are leg raises, "hello Dolly's," and flutter kicks. The Army makes soldiers to numberous repetitions of these exercises and if you don't do them right they can seriously injure your back. You're supposed to place your hands in the small of your back when doing them. If you use this mat you can then place you hands flat on the ground next to your bum. This will stabalize you and ensure that you don't injure yourself.
There are no real features to a product as simple as this. It was surprisingly expensive though. Maybe it's the sporting goods store I went to, but I doubt it they don't tend to over price.
What The Manufacturer Says:
*quoted from website*
"The AbMat is a totally one-of-a-kind abdominal exerciser because it offers:
- The full range of motion necessary to work the entire abdominal muscle group. Crunch exercises and most equipment falls short of the AbMat!
- A variety of exercises that isolate upper and/or lower abs, as well as obliques. A safe, comfortable design contoured to your lower back to provide support and to help prevent injury.
- A compact, portable design that requires no set-up or tear-down.
- Take it with you anywhere!"
Final Say:
Should you buy this product? Probably not. Save the outrageously high $30 and go out running instead or buy a thermogenic aid such as Twinlab's Ripped Fuel or Twinlab's Diet Fuel. Or go buy some healthy food. All those will help you more to achieve your goal of getting a trim waist than buying the AbMat.
The website is actually fairly good. There is a lot of interesting information about the product and the science of situps. They draw on a lot of scientific facts to justify the purchase of this product. I don't buy into it.
The AbMat earns a C-.
For Information: http://www.abmat.co.uk/
Other Reviews Of Interest:
WEIDER CROSSBOW - I Wanna Be, I Wanna Be Like...Bowflex - Except Better
Bowflex Power Pro - Decent Workout, Decent Value
Precor EFX546 - Fun And Effective Workouts!
Precor Zuma - Quality Home Gym
AB ENERGIZER - Worthless
Portable Mini Cycle - Sharper Image's Nifty Exercise Bike
Thanks!
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID: spongebob_man1
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Location: Vancouver, WA
Reviews written: 264
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