By now everyone knows that Americans are some of the most overweight people in the world. Many people are having difficulty maintaining their abdominal regions in particular. This troublesome area may grow to an unpleasant size because of inactivity, many people these days work all day sitting at a desk, leaving their stomach muscles mostly unused throughout business hours. Others may not be so sedentary, but see their stomachs expanding anyway because of a constant diet of fast food and too many alcoholic beverages. It is pretty common to see such a high sugar diet end up as fatty tissue in the abdominal region. Many people spend hours on fitness equipment elliptical machines, attempting to right their bodies of stomach fat. But not all used fitness equipment is equal in the fight against abdominal weight.

No matter why you have accumulated your excess stomach fat, there are many options to get rid of it. With a little know-how, you can get on the path to obtaining your best possible stomach sooner than later. Before you begin any exercise regimen, it is important to note that ab machines do not work to rid your body of the fatty tissue found in the area. Such equipment generally works to tone the abdominal muscles, and in order to lose weight one must burn more calories than they consume. Cardio exercise helps the body burn extra calories and boost metabolism, but it is only part of the weight loss process and unfortunately cannot be used to target a specific area of the body.

Body type is an important factor when it comes to weight loss. Not everyone can obtain the coveted flat stomach. Although you can always get your weight down to an attractive level, some people have a natural curvature of the stomach that cannot be flattened. Many people are in good physical shape cannot obtain a flat stomach simply because it is not in their genetic code.

There are a number of different types of equipment which can be used to strengthen and define your abdominal muscles. The Roman chair is an excellent option; this device is often found in gyms and can be used for more than just abdominal exercises. It is recognizable by its tallish nature, parallel arms and straight, padded backing panel. The structure offers no place to sit. In order to use, place one arm on each armrest. The Roman chair will be so tall that the average user will not be able to touch the ground with the feet once both arms are resting on the arm pads. Once in this position, slowly raise your legs to your chest, holding for a few seconds before slowly lowering them again.

The bicycle maneuver is another great abs exercise; one for which no fancy equipment is needed. Often done in gym classes across the country, this movement is done on a gym mat. Lay with your lower back pressed into the mat. Place your hands on either side of your head, tighten your abs and bend your knees until they have reached a 45-degree angle. Next, bring your right elbow and left knee together so that they make contact. Release and alternate by bringing the left elbow in contact with the right knee. Repeat this function and be sure that you can feel the exercise in both your abs and your sides.

Author Bio: Stewart Wrighter looked on the internet for used fitness equipment to stock his home gym. He purchased a fitness equipment elliptical machine for use in his basement gym.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: used fitness equipment,fitness equipment elliptical