abdominals

We're no better now, with our electric pro-wrestling-sized abdominal workout belts. Editor's note:Whole Body Vibration Training does not use belts of any kind and should not be equated with those old "Fat Jiggling Machines".

But check this out. Researchers claim vibration plate exercise machines promote weight-loss, especially harmful belly fat.

A large study of more than 44,000 nurses shows that waist size is strongly associated with death rates independently of body mass index.

The term "core" is an oft-used, yet commonly misunderstood catchphrase that has been bandied about in fitness and rehab circles over the past 10-15 years. I'm hoping to give you a mercifully-short anatomy lesson and some usable starting points on how to properly engage and use these muscles to maximize their efficiency:

About this time of year, infomercials for Ab machines seem to hit the airwaves in abundance.

They are - quite simply - the most annoying, deceitful, and downright misleading ads there are.

Here's why:

Americans may eventually have a new tool to shrink growing waistlines. A Japanese preliminary study showed that the brown pigment in a type of seaweed, wakame, can help to reduce abdominal fat.

Have you ever wished there was some pill or potion that could actually flatten your stomach?

While flicking through the TV channels, I had the misfortune to come across a fitness infomercial. Not just any infomercial - but a mini-epic flaunting one of those "6 pack abs" machines - namely the Ab King Pro. The commercial was a visual feast - sculpted physiques, smooth flawless tanned bodies, and, of course, rock hard abdominals.