ab dolly

[kate]

I just seen an infommercial about the ab dolly with Scott Hamilton and super model Vendella. It looks pretty interesting. I occasoinally use an ab wheel(which is about 20 yrs.old - was moms'), but it puts too much stress on my shoulders. So I am wondering if anyone has tried this contraption. Being from Canada, ordering from U.S. is extra pricey for me. I'd really appreciate anyones experiences with or thoughts about this thingy. Thanx in advance.
K8^)

 

[SJBridges]

My mom got something similar and it puts too much strain on her wrists and aggravates carpal tunnel symptoms in her. So I gave her a stability ball which costs $13.86 at Walmart and there's so much more you can do with it in addition to the moves the Ab Dolly does. The funny thing is for YEARS I've been trying to get her to try my ball and now she has and loves it!

Stephanie

 

[kate]

Thanx for the reply Stephanie. So how big is a stability ball? I have never heard of them.

 

[SJBridges]

Hi Kate

They go by lots of names, Flexaball, Exerball, swiss ball, etc. Here's a link to http://www.balldynamics.com to find out more about it and also https://www.fitball.com/ballorder/exercise/index.cfm to tell you what size you need, generally the ones sold at Walmart and Target are the 65 cm ones from what I understand. Also I was told it is better to err on the side of getting too large a ball than too small a ball. I am 5'1" and had a 55 cm one and a 65, I prefer the 65. There are also some ball videotapes review at videofitness.com and some books by Caroline Creager which are pretty good. Hope that helps.

Stephanie

 

[SJBridges]

Hi Kate

They go by lots of names, Flexaball, Exerball, swiss ball, etc. Here's a link to http://www.balldynamics.com to find out more about it and also http://www.fitball.com/ballorder/exercise/index.cfm to tell you what size you need, generally the ones sold at Walmart and Target are the 65 cm ones from what I understand. Also I was told it is better to err on the side of getting too large a ball than too small a ball. I am 5'1" and had a 55 cm one and a 65, I prefer the 65. There are also some ball videotapes review at videofitness.com and some books by Caroline Creager which are pretty good. Hope that helps.

Stephanie

 

[Lindaton]

RE: Hi Kate

I was reading on another site about using a plant dolly instead of investing in the ab device. They were saying the better dolly costs about $12-$15. Sorry, but I can't remember the site.

 

[kristina]

Hi there. I have been working abs for years, and I too was intrigued by all the new ab devices. I myself bought the AbSlide, which is a little less expensive than the dolly but the same theory... a device that has you extend out and pull back from that push up position.
I love my abslide, but I have to tell ya that despite the advertisements, these devices are not for beginners. If you don't have a strong back and fairly strong abs to begin with, you tend to put a lot of pressure on the wrists and upper body and "cheat" the move so all it does it hurt you. I do love my ab slide, ($39), and I think it works great, but again not for beginners.
You may note the new trend in exercise technology is the "core stabilization" like Pilates? You can get almost the same exercise by doing "plank poses" (Cathe does these in her Circuit Max video) and you get almost the same result.
I guess what I am saying is I think it is a great exercise tool to add to the tool box if you are already pretty strong, but not good for beginners.