Joseph Pilates is the originator of the exercise moves that bear his name. Since their origin just after World War I, the core-based Pilates has become known for working the abdominal muscles. Many ab exercisers are based on the Pilates principles. Before spending money on any of these, check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for this type of workout.

The Pilates Ab Exerciser

Both Bally and Everlast have made Pilates Ab Exercisers. Though neither is now being produced, both can be found for purchase on the Internet. These two pieces of equipment look the same and are simple to use for strength training that specifically tightens your abdominal muscles with only a few minutes of exercise each day. Each has an adjustable strap for users of all heights and include a guide to moves that can be done with the Ab Exerciser.

The Reformer

The Reformer is the main piece of Pilates equipment that is used to sculpt your body and especially your abdominal muscles. This exerciser is constructed to conform to the original machine created by Joseph Pilates. It’s made to be used at home and many of them can even fit under your bed. The Reformer comes with instructions on how to do ab tightening moves. Keep in mind, however, that even the simplest Reformer can cost more than $1,000.

Other Options

It is possible to purchase an entire selection of Pilates abdominal exercise equipment for much less than the cost of The Reformer if you want to get a little creative. Fitness balls — which you can purchase at your local department store for as little as $20 — can be used to work your stomach muscles through balance or to enhance crunches. Resistance tubing and bands are also in that same low price range and will help strengthen your abs when used with Pilates moves.

On Your Own

The entire principle of Pilates is based on strengthening your core, the center of which is the abdomen. You can do many Pilates moves without any special equipment. Exercise instructions that will help to flatten your abs are available on free websites such as Balanced Body. You can also take classes at many health and fitness centers if your area does not have a Pilates studio.

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Muscles generate force in three ways: as they shorten, as they lengthen and while remaining the same length. Contractions that do not result in any joint movement are classed as isometric — a word also used to describe a type of exercise. Isometrics were championed by Charles Atlas in his “Dynamic Tension” correspondence strength-training courses but now are more of a training adjunct than a standalone form of working out. You can perform isometric exercises for virtually every part of your body, including your rectus abdominus muscle, or abs for short. Avoid holding your breath when performing isometrics, as this can significantly raise your blood pressure.

Planks

The plank is the most well-known isometric ab exercise and features in both yoga and Pilates workouts. To perform the plank, kneel on all fours and rest your forearms on the floor. Walk your legs back so that your weight is supported on your forearms and forefeet only. Make sure your heels, hips and shoulders form a straight line and hold this position for the desired duration. Do not allow your hips to drop toward the floor, as this places undue strain on your lower back.

Side Planks

Side planks target your ab and waist muscles. Lie on your side with your legs straight and weight resting on your elbow. Lift your hips off the floor so that your weight is supported on your arm and sides of your feet only. Hold this position for the desired duration. You can make this exercise more challenging by elevating your feet on an exercise bench or step.

Waiter’s Walk

The waiter’s walk is an effective isometric abdominal exercise that also improves shoulder joint stability. Stand with your feet together and a dumbbell in one hand. Curl the weight to shoulder level and press it above your head. Brace your abdominal muscles and contract your upper back and shoulder muscles to support the weight. With your arm extended, walk around your training area while focusing on keeping your spine perfectly vertical. On completion, change arms and repeat.

Pallof Press

The Pallof press is an isometric ab exercise that uses weights to strengthen your entire midsection. This anti-rotation exercise often is used by therapists to help strengthen the muscles responsible for spine stability. To perform this exercise, stand sideways on a chest-high pulley cable and grasp the handle in both hands. Hold your hands close to your chest and step away from the pulley to tension your arms. From this position, press your arms out in front of you at shoulder level — extending your arms lengthens your levers and increases the degree of rotation you must resist. Draw your arms back into your chest to rest and then repeat. Rest a moment and then perform an identical number of repetitions on the opposite side.

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