Evaluate how well an Abdominal Bench meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in an abdominal bench and you've learned about the different features of abdominal benches. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of abdominal bench - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the abdominal benches available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed abdominal benches to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well an Abdominal Bench meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available abdominal benches in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any abdominal benches that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any abdominal benches that clearly exceed your price limit.
The abdominal board and bench are the most common ab equipment. They are typically on an incline and use gravity to make each exercise more effective. They have two roller shaped footpads at one end, which allow the user to gain support by wrapping their feet under the pads.
The crunch bench allows the user to add extra weights for increased resistance. This bench looks similar to an incline weight bench; however, it has a pulley system on the back in which weights are attached. The user holds the handles of the pulley and slowly bends into a crunch position, holding for a few seconds before slowly releasing.
Tip:
The abdominal bench is normally easy to adjust, using a simple pull pin to change height and angles. For the best use of gravity, an angle of 23 to 45 degrees is recommended.
Combination abdominal and back machines allow the user to work two muscle groups with the same piece of equipment. By sitting on the unit as you would an abdominal bench, standard abdominal exercises such as crunches, twists and knee and leg lifts can be performed. By lying over the upper roller pads and locking feet under the lower pads, the user can strengthen their lower back by performing a hyper back extension.
The abdominal bench is quiet simple in its construction. It consists of a plywood back that is covered by a high-density foam and vinyl upholstery. The frame of the unit is typically constructed from 11 to 14-gauge steel in a square or tube design. A good bench is designed to accommodate 250 to 600 pounds. The metal is finished in a clear or power coated paint with the highest quality units having zinc-plated hardware. For added strength and durability all joints are welded.
Most abdominal benches are easy to move, weighing 20 to 80 pounds. Some models come with transport wheels to aid in repositioning the unit. In addition, some fold flat for easy storage in a closet or under a bed.
When you were considering your requirements in an abdominal bench it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as incline, decline or flat adjustments, padding, size and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various abdominal benches meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Materials
- Upholstery, foot rollers - high density foam, vinyl
- Frame - steel, plywood
Construction
- 11 to 14 gauge tubing
- Welded steel
- Clear, powder coating
- Zinc plated hardware
Types
- Abdominal board
- Abdominal bench
- Ab, back machine
- Crunch bench
Exercise types
- Abdominal crunch
- Weighted crunch
- Twisting crunch
- Knee, leg lift
- Jack knife, v-up
- Oblique isolator
- Back extension
Weight / size
- 20 to 80 lbs
- Width 20 to 50 inches x Length 40 to 55 inches x Height 18 to 45 inches
- Accommodates 250 to 600 lbs
Adjustments
- Pull pin
- Flat, incline, decline
- 23 to 45 degrees
Warranty
- Limited Lifetime - frame, pulleys, bushings, grips, cables
- 5 years - mechanical Parts
- 1 year - wear items
- 1 year - upholstery
Miscellaneous options
- Custom upholstery
- Transport wheels
- Ergonomic pads, lumbar support
- Moulded padding
- Fold for storage
- Pivoting ankle pads
- Weight attachment, pulley cable
- Wrap around end caps
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your abdominal bench needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in an abdominal bench.
Once you have finished evaluating the abdominal benches available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the abdominal benches one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well an Abdominal Bench compares with competing Abdominal Benches
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of abdominal benches that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of abdominal benches that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which abdominal bench on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these abdominal benches best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed abdominal benches has the best warranty?
Which abdominal bench is the easiest to use?
Which of the abdominal benches seems of the highest quality?
Which abdominal bench do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating abdominal benches that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the abdominal bench, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the abdominal bench is put together. Check the assembly - is the abdominal bench solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the abdominal bench from the perspective of ease of use. How easy is the abdominal bench to clean? Is it easy to adjust? Does it feel comfortable at your feet and behind your knees? Is it user-friendly - some abdominal benches look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Adjustments - visible, easy to use, accessible, clearly labelled
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as accidental damage.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other extras are required - do you need transport wheels, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- What else will you need to fully utilize this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of abdominal benches that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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