Do abs machines work?

[CaterpillaNavilla]

I’ve been doing general exercise classes and weights for a year now and really struggle with balance exercises. I shake like mad and never (EVER) feel the after effects of the abs exercises.

After seeking professional advice I’ve been told that this is common after pregnancy and it’s down to my abs not ‘activating’ and my back muscles overcompensating instead. This rings true as my balance is terrible and I often get backache.

before I pay for private physio would an abs belt help at all? I feel like I just need something to kickstart them!

You're needing core-focused exercises rather than strictly abs. Core training can involve ab machines but it goes beyond that. For starting, it can be pilates/yoga type stuff you can do in the Livingroom. Plenty YouTube videos out there to give you pointers. Requires minimum kit and even doing 15/20 mins a day is a great boost.

@GrumpyGinger thanks but I’ve tried it! I’ve done yoga for years but stopped and started on something more general/weights based bc it didn’t seem to be helping.

I could try Pilates but some of the exercises I do in my general class I think are Pilates-based (e.g. rolling like a ball) but it’s like my abs have just checked out 😬