I discovered this equipment in the gym on a cruise ship. I've owned and used lots of equipment over the years designed to build core strength and flatten my stomach. Each had drawbacks that kept me from using it long-term. I have chronic low back pain that surfaces after any exercise including something as simple as power-walking. While using the ab bench on the ship for the first time, I noticed the vertebrae in the middle and lower part of my back adjusting, moving, popping (take your choice). Next, was the tension across my pelvis, working muscles other machines did not target. When I finished the short wokout, I discovered I was walking without the slight forward bend at the waist to compensate for back stiffness, and NO LOWER BACK PAIN!!! Needless to say, the ab bench was my first purchase when I got back home. I use it every other day along with an elliptical machine and treadmill. I haven't experienced low back pain or stiffness a single day since. The ab bench is unlike anything I've experienced, and has me walking normally for the first time in 20 years. It also noticeably and quickly flattens your stomach after only a few workouts. It is commercial quality equipment, so its not cheap, but its less expensive than the discomfort of chronic back pain and walking like a 90 year old man (no disrespect, I hope to live so long). I would encourage anyone to find a gym that has the ab bench or a retailer and just try it. Like me, you'll be amazed, I guarantee it.
