Willardson, Jeffrey M; Behm, David G; Huang, Stacey Y; Rehg, Maranda D; Kattenbraker, Mark S; Fontana, Fabio E

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Purpose: To compare the activation of the rectus abdominis, external oblique abdominis, lower abdominal stabilizers, and lumbar erector spinae during performance of 3 traditional trunk exercises (abdominal crunch, side bridge and quadruped [dhttp://www.spartafit.com/exercise/quadruped%20exercise.php] vs. exercise on the Ab Circle device.

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Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the anterior, posterior, and lateral trunk musculature can be activated to similar or even greater levels by performing the 3 traditional trunk exercises vs. the Ab Circle.

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IN PLAIN ENGLISH: The Ab Circle, another ubiquitous ab device espoused by an infomercial, is not superior to traditional exercises.