6
10. Bicycle Ab Crunch
This exercise
focuses on
the lower
abdominals.
Straighten
your legs and
hold them off
the floor as
shown in
photograph
10a. Curl up
to about a 45°
angle, bend-
ing one knee
and raising it
as shown in
photograph
10b; then
return to the
starting posi-
tion.
Complete 10 to 15 repetitions, alternating legs with
each repetition.
11. Jackknife
This exercise
targets the
lower abdom-
inals.
Straighten
your legs and
hold them off
the floor as
shown in pho-
tograph 11a.
Curl up to
about a 45°
angle, raising
both legs as
shown in pho-
tograph 11b;
then return to
the starting
position.
Complete 10
to 15 repeti-
tions.
Expert Exercises
Expert Exercises–Cont.
10a
10b
11a
11b
12. Reverse Trunk
This exercise
focuses on
the oblique
abdominals.
Straighten
your legs and
raise them as
shown in
photograph
12a. Curl up
to about a 45°
angle. This is
the starting
position.
Lower your
legs to the
side as shown
in photograph
12b; then
return to the
starting posi-
tion. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions, alternating sides
with each repetition.
13. Scissors
This exercise
focuses on
the upper and
lower abdom-
inals. Hold
your legs in
the position
shown in
photograph
13a. Curl up
to about a 45°
angle. This is
the starting
position.
Cross your
ankles as
shown in
photograph
13b; then
return to the
starting posi-
tion. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions, alternately crossing
the right ankle above the left, and then the left ankle
above the right.
12a
12b
13a
13b
The expert exercises should be done only after you can
comfortably perform the advanced exercises.
3
Using the AB DESIGNER
The AB
DESIGNER
offers a variety
of exercises
that shape your
upper, lower,
and oblique
abdominals.
The pho-
tographs in
this manual
show the correct form for each exercise.
The exercises in this manual are divided into four
groups: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert.
Start with the beginning exercises, and progress at your
own pace. Be careful not to overdo it during the first
few weeks of your exercise program. It is better to
increase the number of repetitions you do than to
advance to more difficult exercises too quickly.
To get the most from your exercise, proper form is
important. As you perform each repetition, use your
abdominal muscles to pull yourself up, allowing the AB
DESIGNER to “roll” with you. Keep your head on the
headrest and the small of your back on the floor. If nec-
essary, raise your hips slightly.
Always begin and end each workout with a few minutes
of stretching. Remember to keep plenty of water nearby
as you exercise, and drink periodically to avoid dehy-
dration. If you feel faint, dizzy, or short of breath at
any time during exercise, stop immediately and
begin cooling down.
Upper
Abdominals
Oblique
Abdominals
Lower
Abdominals
Suggested Stretches
1. Hamstring Stretch
Extend one leg
and rest the
opposite foot
against it as
shown. Reach
toward your
toes and hold
for 15 counts.
Repeat 3 times
for each leg.
2. Toe Touch Stretch
Stand with
your knees
bent slightly as
shown. Relax
your back and
shoulders as
you reach
down toward
your toes. Hold
for 15 counts.
Repeat 3 times.
3. Quadriceps Stretch
Place one hand
against a wall
and grasp one
foot with your
other hand as
shown. Hold
your foot as
close to your
buttocks as
possible, and
hold for 15
counts. Repeat
3 times for
each leg.
WARNING: Before you begin this or any exer-
cise program, consult your physician. This is
especially important for persons over the age of
35 or persons with pre-existing health problems.
ICON assumes no responsibility for personal
injury or property damage sustained by or
through the use of this product.
Begin and end each workout with a few minutes of
stretching. Stretching prepares the body for exercise by
increasing the body temperature, heart rate, and circula-
tion. After exercise, stretching allows the heart rate to
return to normal and the muscles to cool down gradual-
ly. Stretching is also effective for increasing flexibility.
The correct form for three basic stretches is shown
below. Move slowly as you stretch—never bounce.
