Ab Lounge XL
The Ab Lounge XL was designed as an improvement over the company’s original machine, which was called the Ab Lounger. The machine sells for an average price of $215. Like many of the popular home exercise abdominal toning machines, the Ab Lounge XL was designed to alleviate the neck and back problems, which are often associated with traditional crunches. The machine weighs 36 pounds, and supports weight of up to 275 pounds. It measures 54 inches long, 31 ¾ inches wide and 45 1/2″ high. The Ab Lounge XL is a few inches longer than the original Ab Lounger, which makes it more user friendly for taller people. The machine comes with a 90-day warranty.
Ab Lounge XL Construction
The Ab Lounge XL frame is constructed from rolled steel. The seat itself is made from a breathable fabric, which is great for hot weather. In response to complaints about the folding mechanism of the original Ab Lounger, Fitness Quest, the manufacturing company added significant changes to the Ab Lounge XL. When the Ab Lounger was folded, many people were getting their fingers caught in the hinges. Thus, when Fitness Quest designed the Ab Lounge XL, they eliminated the hinge and substituted it with a lever. Since this change, there have been no known complaints from people damaging their fingers during the folding process.
Since the Ab Lounge XL is used to perform a “jack knife” type of crunch, the machine comes with foot pedals. Once again, we see an improvement from the Ab Lounger, whose pedals were not adjustable. The Ab Lounge XL comes with adjustable pedals, which means that it can be used by people of various heights. It also comes with padded handles, which they call iso-grips.
Ab Lounge XL Professional Package
If you are willing to shell out an extra $40 for your Ab Lounge XL, you will receive a fitness computer to keep track of your repetitions and exercise duration, as well as two tubing bands, which can be attached to the machine, thus allowing you to work perform an upper body workout for your chest and arms. Additionally, you’ll get an instructional DVD; firstpath.com CD Rom, along with an extended limited warranty, which will extend the basic warranty from 90 days to one year.
Pros and Cons of the Ab Lounge XL
Although the Ab Lounge XL does a good job at supporting the neck and back, it is merely dealing with a symptom, without solving a significant physical problem. Chronic neck and back pain while performing crunches might occur for a variety of reasons, which include, but are not limited to:
- Muscular Imbalances: Although the age of technology has made our life easier, it has wreaked havoc on our neck muscles, which are in a constant state of flexion. Then, at the end of the day, when we once again attempt to flex our necks to perform crunches, they scream “enough already!”
- Weak Core Muscles: While many people are used to working our superficial abdominal muscles, few know how to activate the deep core muscles, which are responsible for supporting the back and neck.
- Poor Form: Fast and jerky movements can cause neck pain.
So what’s the bottom line? Like most ab machines, the Ab Lounge XL is overpriced. However, if spending the money will motivate you to do your ab work, it’s a good investment.
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