Are these types of equipments machines any good for abs/arms?

[Mysteriouskk]

I want to start working my abs and arms, and I was wondering if this is the machine to help me do it.

Anybody have any experience with it, or with something like it? Should I get something else to help work my abs and arms?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...8842001&pf_rd_i=507846

 

[Special K]

This probably isn't what you want to hear, but why are you saying you only want to work your abs and arms? What about the rest of your body? What are your goals?

Also, how is your diet? Having visble abs is 90% diet.

 

[presidentender]

I see abs, lats, and what look to be some kind of superfluous handles for push-ups. Save your money: buy some dumbbells and learn to use them. Also, Special K is right: chances are good that you don't just want to "start working your abs and arms." The appearance of strength and athleticism is most effective when it's a well-rounded and all over appearance. Just toning arms (especially, god forbid, just biceps) or abs is not going to cut it, nor will it be much easier than working everything evenly.

 

[Mysteriouskk]

Originally posted by: Special K
This probably isn't what you want to hear, but why are you saying you only want to work your abs and arms? What about the rest of your body? What are your goals?

Also, how is your diet? Having visble abs is 90% diet.

I do cardio with a treadmill and elliptical, and I'm not really doing anything else, which is why I want to get started with something. I also don't really know exactly what I want or what to do.

 

[MegaVovaN]

What you need is compound lift program like Rippetoe's or beginner program from Stronglifts.com (called 5x5).

You will lay off the machines for a while. Barbell/dumbbells are your true friends. Check this thread for a guy in same boat as you, and list of "Compound" exercises.
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2171223&enterthread=y

edit: hopefully in a few days we will have a sticky on compound lifts

You want a full body workout. Check this out for motivation: Dating, Your Job, & Sex? Workouts Make it All Better

 

[StageLeft]

Used properly, that is a great piece of equipment. If you want to do better, IMO, get a handle that you can brace to a door frame or hang from a rafter and use it for pullups, then get a bench and some dumbells to use. With a bench, dumbells, and pullup bar you can, with the correct program, get tons of functional and visible strength. It's essential equipment and covers all of the needed bases. You could, however, use something like this in your first post and those "handles" one puts on the floor to do pushups and hammer out your chest with that. Dumbells plus this thing and a solid, no frills program could put some good size on you.

 

[paulxcook]

I actually really like that "machine". I'm not sure it's a machine if it has no moving parts, but using that you can do pull ups, chin ups, dips, and leg lifts for abs. Pretty versatile, though not as much as a power rack.

However, you would probably be happier with your results if you chose to work out all of your body. Compound lifts are the way to go. Take some time and really think about what your goals are. If you would like strong (not necessarily visible, but strong) abs and disproportionately large arms, then what you mentioned will work.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Oh, just clicked the link in OP. I have very similar "machine" (I think proper name is "POWER TOWER") that I bought in a local sporting goods shop.
I don't like it for dips because dip bars are too far apart and I cannot position them closer. See my thread here:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2170680&enterthread=y

 

[purbeast0]

$130 can get you like 1/2 year or more at a gym. spend the $130 on that instead.