Research and Studies

In recent years, a host of infomercial products and exercise videos have preyed on people’s desire for a toned mid-section. But what is the best, most efficient route to tighter abs? We look at 13 of the most common ab exercises, ranking them from best to worst.

These cannonball-shaped iron orbs with handles lifted in a swinging motion were developed by Russian strongmen in the early 1700s as a way to build strength, balance, flexibility and endurance quickly.

The Krankcycle resembles a conventional Upper Body Ergometer (UBE) in which you sit and essentially “pedal” with your hands. The UBE is standard issue in rehab environments, but healthy exercisers have traditionally paid little attention to the machines in the gym environment.

The potential draw for consumers is the notion they can tone their muscles without taking the time to exercise. Can you get the buttocks you want with the Slendertone Bottom Toner or are the claims too good to be true?

Toning shoes, each of which uses uniquely shaped rounded soles and extra cushioning to alter the wearer’s normal walking gait, are currently all the rage in footwear, but is all the buzz and marketing hype too good to be true?