Does Total Core Work?

!±8± Does Total Core Work?

The Total Core is a well known abdominal fitness machine. You may have seen the infomercial on TV or online in one of the video sites. This is basically a product that helps you do crunches in a more convenient way. In addition, the claim is that this product works your other core muscles, such as your lower back.

Does the Total Core really work? When you watch the infomercial you get the impression that you can burn off belly fat and get flat abs with this machine. Is this really the case?

There is no doubt that you can train your abs with the Total Core. You just sit on the seat of the machine, rest your back against the cushion and do a crunch. In fact, the machine actually makes it easier for you to complete a crunch as it pushes you up from the low position of the movement, making it easier for you to rise. Of course, this does mean that the actual exercise is less strenuous and effective than a normal crunch, at least as far as stimulating the ab muscles is concerned.

However, this may be a small price to pay provided that you do find the Total Core comfortable and that the fact of having it in your home does make you train your stomach more. I often find that this is the main benefit of having a fitness machine in the first place: it acts as a reminder to keep training at home.

There are more intensive ways to train your abs than to use the Total Core and most other fitness machines for that matter. However, it does work in the sense that you can work your abs with it. The problem is one of perception: the idea that you can get flat abs by using this machine alone is doubtful.

The real way to get flat abs involves a more general fitness and nutrition approach, one that involves total body workouts, cardio exercises, and a proper and sensible diet plan. You just can't tackle a full body problem like excessive fat with an isolated solution which is to train your abs.

Regardless of the effectiveness of the Total Core, it may be part of the solution but it cannot be the entire solution by itself. It will simply won't flatten your abs on its own. Now it's up to you to decide whether to use it or not.