Four Cardio Machines for Your Abs
Ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, and rowing machines can help you increase your heart rate and get a great cardiovascular workout while using them.
But you’ll be working your abdominal muscles at the same time. This is because to use these machines, you engage your core muscles. And a strong, stable core helps you more easily take on everyday activities.
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1. Stationary Bike
Does the stationary bike work your abs directly? It can. When cycling, your core stabilizes your pelvis and keeps your hips square in your seat.
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2. Elliptical
Don’t bypass the elliptical machine the next time you hit the cardio floor. Given that you’re primarily moving your arms and lower body, you may wonder if there are benefits for your core muscles.
But because the muscles of the midsection (including your abdominals, erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and rhomboids) are all engaged to keep you standing upright throughout the movement, they’ll get a workout, too.
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It can, in fact, provide a great workout for your midsection.
To get the most ab burn on the elliptical, focus on standing up tall and not leaning forward. This will force your core to work harder to stabilize you.
3. Treadmill
When you’re pounding the pavement or working up a sweat on the treadmill, your core is in charge of your running posture.
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It’s also the link between your arms and legs — in charge of transferring force from your upper to lower body.Engaging the muscles of the core while you’re using the treadmill can provide further strengthening.
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4. Rowing Machine
Rowing machines are known for their back-strengthening abilities, but they work the front of your torso equally hard.
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During your rowing workouts, your back should be straight but slightly leaned back from your hips. With correct form, you’ll also work the abdominal muscles.
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