That weird contraption that looks like a tricycle wheel with handles? That's an ab roller. And while it might look like child's play, it's actually meant to facilitate ab contraction to help sculpt a svelter stomach. Before you grab hold and go for a ride, know what you're getting yourself into. In the case of an ab roller, you'll need to execute the exercise perfectly to get any sort of benefit.
Step 1
Lay a mat on the floor. If you have sore knees, fold the mat in half for double the protection. Kneel on the mat with the ab wheel in front of you.
Step 2
Grasp the handles for the ab wheel as it rests in front of your knees. Inhale and as you exhale, roll the wheel out and away from your body while your knees stay firmly planted on your mat.
Step 3
Continue rolling outward until your arms extend past your head and are parallel with the floor. The position should be similar to a modified knee plank, with your abs still off the floor. Concentrate on keeping a flat -- not hunched -- back through the exercise.
Step 4
Inhale and roll your arms and the wheel back in toward your body. Complete a repetition when you come back to a kneeling position with the wheel in front of your knee.
Step 5
Repeat the exercise eight to 12 times to complete a set. If rolling all the way out is too difficult, roll only halfway, or until your hands reach the top of your head, instead of extending your arms completely.
