Any comments on these 2 machines? My belly is my problem area. I am short on space for large equipment. Thanks in advance!

If you want an ab gadget, my money goes to a Swiss ball. Very cheap, very effective, lets you do lots of different core exercises (including hyperextensions), doubles as a chair, and can be deflated when you are short of space.

Thanks for the input. I have given that some thought. But it looks HARDER than the little machines

There's a saying in bodybuilding land that I love...

"Abs are made in the kitchen".

That said, I really like using the swiss ball to do crunches on. You get a better range of motion than most of those machines. However....it comes down to what you like and will use. Swiss balls are pretty versatile....lotsa great exercises you can do with them.

See if you can borrow one, or try one in the shop. They give great support to the back, while allowing you a huge range of motion.

Sounds good. My neighbor has one I sit for her pets alot...

The swiss ball is also good for sitting on if you spend a lot of time at a desk or on a computer. While you're sitting, you're constantly using your core muscles to keep your balance, it's like an all-day workout.

Somebody told me the Swiss Ball comes in different sizes depending on your height. Do you know that to be true?

Yes. Standard sizes are 55cm, 65cm and 75cm. My children use those space hopper things as balls and workout along with me.

I'm only 5' 3" so I ordered the smallest one. Anxious to get it. I've bought more machines and gadgets over the years and they usually end up in the goodwill. My step is the only thing I've kept and use. My neice loves the ball and sits on it to work on her computer. If nothing else, I can use it for that. LOL

There are various gym and cardio bits in this house, and most of them get put away regularly, occasionally taken out again. The two things that never get put away are the free weights and the swiss ball.