Fitness As Seen On TV products are among the most popular exercise devices in America. Viewers become more confident in their decision to purchase these products when scientific studies purport to demonstrate product effectiveness.

Most consumers do not question the research behind the claims. But if you look more closely, you may be surprised at the weird science and partial truths that help sell exercise equipment.

A review of the studies cited in ads for several abdominal devices revealed basic research flaws that may have contributed to more favorable product results:

1. There were very few participants in some of the studies. Very small sample sizes of only 10 or 12 young, fit individuals limited how well the findings applied to the general public to which the fitness products were marketed. In addition, unequal numbers of men and women were tested together, which further skewed the results when products targeted women.

2. The studies did not compare "apples to apples". Reports indicated that the fitness devices produced greater muscle involvement, but this occurred only when very different, more demanding exercises were compared to the standard crunch. The products yielded far worse results in many cases. Some advertisers did post the disclaimer that best results were displayed.

3. Marketers claimed that the products were more effective, but the researchers never conducted experiments to support that claim. They simply read the muscle activity meter (the EMG) for a variety of exercises, including the standard crunch. There was no basis to claim greater product effectiveness because there was no attempt to make equivalent comparisons by controlling for the number of muscles involved, speed, range of motion, or other important variables.

4. Powerful statistical tools were used for the analyses, but assumptions for their appropriate use were not met. Inappropriate statistics likely distorted the findings in favor of the products.

5. Publications of the research were either presented in alternative or nonprofessional journals, press releases, or were not disclosed at all. Without the due process of peer review required for article publication in a professional journal, there is no clear evidence that the studies met the scientific standards established by experts in the field.

Think like a scientist. Do not accept statements about the testing of fitness infomercial products at face value. Be objective and open, but remain skeptical, especially if results of testing sound too good to be true.

To avoid being misled by shaky science, release your inner researcher the next time a new, revolutionary product captures your attention. Gather your own information about the product claims before you purchase. You may find that some fitness products are not quite as amazing as marketers would have you believe.

Dr. Denise K. Wood is an educator and sport and fitness training consultant from Knoxville, TN and creator of www.womens-weight-training-programs.com She has trained a wide range of clients from beginners to Olympians. Dr. Wood is a former national track and field champion with years of international experience. She has been recognized as an outstanding professor in exercise science and research/statistics.

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Exercise balls,being a highly versatile piece of exercise equipment provides plenty of ways to help improve your strength, balance, flexibly and co-ordination. Compared to working on a flat surface, your body needs to respond to the instability of the ball to remain balanced and by doing so, many body muscles will be engaged. These muscles will become stronger over time in order to keep the balance. Most frequently, the abdominal muscles and the back muscles will be developed the most in the process of keeping your balance.

In this article, I will highlight the 3 GREAT ABS exercise that can be executed with the exercise ball and they are as follows

1) Exercise ball ab crunches
2) Stability ball hip flexion (knee tucks)
3) Stability Ball Plank Holds

Great abs exercise 1 - Exercise ball ab crunches

Stabilize your body on a stability ball by finding your balance point for performing a crunch movement (your lower back will be on the top of the ball). Then simply crunch your upper body up while keeping your fingers on the sides of your head, chin up, and feet planted flat on the floor. Try to hold the top of the crunch for 2 seconds while forcefully exhaling and holding a tight contraction of the abdominal muscles. To make this exercise more challenging, you can move your arms straight out behind your head. For more advanced trainers, you can hold a medicine ball or weight out behind your head while completing the crunch . The addition of medicine ball in the exercise will add more resistance to the exercise making it more effective.

Recommended reps : 1 set x 10

Great abs exercise 2 - Stability ball hip flexion (knee tucks)

Start with your arms in a push-up position and your shins balancing on the top of a stability ball. Tuck your knees in under your body as you roll the ball closer to your hands and elevate your rear. Your back will come up in a hunched position and your abs will contract if done properly.

Recommended reps : 1 set x 12

Great abs exercise 3 - Stability Ball Plank Holds

Stability ball plank holds are similar to floor planks, but the instability aspect of the ball will make this exercise much more challenging to your abs and core than standard floor planks. To do stability ball planks holds, position yourself on your toes and with your forearms on the top of a stability ball. Be careful if you've never tried this before as it takes quite a bit of balance. Hold the plank position on the stability ball while you make slight 1-inch movements back and forth in every direction with your elbows to make this even more challenging. Try to hold this for 60-90 seconds. Super-studs can try for over 90 seconds hold time on this one.

Recommended reps : 1 set x 30-60 seconds

Now that you have learnt how to use the exercise ball effectively,be sure not to miss using this excellent tool the next time you hit the gym !

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/how-to-use-the-exercise-ball-to-perform-3-great-abs-exercises-752469.html