Speaking of Ab Wheels...

**kwoww** · Posted On: 8/26/2007 10:00pm

I'm thinking of getting one (I was inspired by the other threads here), but I'm a bit confused. Quickly looking on Amazon.com, I noticed that there was more than just the As-Seen-On-TV ab wheel. In fact, there were at least 3 different brands, all of which looked basically the same to me. Except, of course, the price. One was $7.99 iirc, while the "genuine" Ab Wheel was something like $34.99...

what gives?

is there a good reason why the Ab Wheel is four times more expensive than the knockoff?

**Ashe** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 1:58am

That's a pretty mediocre exercise for a boxer. It fails to address development of power, rotational force, speed, ability to absorb shock, or coordination of the abs with your hips or upper body. I've seen dozens of better ab exercises for boxing, including many that don't need any equipment whatsoever...

But if you get a plate weight, you could use it to do some fun stuff besides weighted situps that would do far more for overall ab development.

**Jim_Jude** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 4:28am

the main diff among all of the ab wheels is durability & sturdiness of design. Get a cheap one & try it out, if you like the exercises, then put down the bucks for a top dollar wheel if you like.

**Tom .C** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 10:52am

I had a cheap ab wheel.(7.95 US) Got a really good workout from it. The reason I quit using it was I started doing full extensions with it( from toes on the floor and arms extended completely above my head) After a few days doing this I strained my back and quit using it. If you use one just make sure to not over-extend. It really does a great work-out for the abs but don't risk the back strain. I've been using a Bowflex and doing crunches on and inclined board. Another great ab workout but a lot more expensive.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 11:34am

Originally Posted by tom.f

I had a cheap ab wheel.(7.95 US) Got a really good workout from it. The reason I quit using it was I started doing full extensions with it( from toes on the floor and arms extended completely above my head) After a few days doing this I strained my back and quit using it. If you use one just make sure to not over-extend. It really does a great work-out for the abs but don't risk the back strain. I've been using a Bowflex and doing crunches on and inclined board. Another great ab workout but a lot more expensive.

How often where you using it, bro? I don't dare using it more than twice a week. And when I go all the way down, I go by feeling, never more than 8 reps, 3 sets. Doing more than that (or more often) is something I don't feel safe doing so. It puts a lot of stress on the erector spinae, and as such, you need to let it rest (just one would for squats or deadlifts.)

**new2bjj** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 11:45am

Pavel, who kind of re popularized the thing a few years back recommends no more than 3-5 reps. Can you do more? Sure, but as El Macho says, you will be hurting later. Not everything is meant to be done to failure, that's for sure.

**Tom .C** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 12:56pm

I was definately over-doing it. I was using it every morning before work. That really wasn't bad until I started to extend my arms completely. I tried to keep the same reps and I went pretty slow. The result was some good amount of back pain. I quit using it and gave it to my brother with a warning about over-extending. He uses it correctly and has never experienced the back strain. I don't know how often he uses it.

I think it is a pretty good and in-exspensive addition for a work out. I don't know what advantage a $40.00 one would have over the $7.95 unit though.

**ironlurker** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 1:26pm

I think the "more expensive" one you're talking about is one that can be used by the hands or the feet- you can put your feet in the stirrups or whatever they have and do jacknifes that way, or do wheelbarrows by yourself, etc.

**Jim_Jude** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 3:52pm

Here's the flagship of ab wheels:
http://www.scientificwrestling.com/products/item33.cfm

ps: I got a $8.99 wheel from Big 5. I would NEVER, EVER, NEVER, EVER BUY THAT THING.

**ironlurker** · Posted On: 8/27/2007 9:26pm

Originally Posted by Jim_Jude

Here's the flagship of ab wheels:
http://www.scientificwrestling.com/products/item33.cfm

ps: I got a $8.99 wheel from Big 5. I would NEVER, EVER, NEVER, EVER BUY THAT THING.

You can get similar ones on ebay -the lifeline power wheel- for about 40$.