Love handles on the front and the sides are not sexy. NOT. Call that politically incorrect, but if that were not true, why are there so many products aimed at removing them, with people eager for the fix that will really firm the abs--the sooner, the better, the more easily, and hopefully, forever.

So along come two pieces of exercise equipment--the Ab Circle Pro, and the Ab Flyer. Both claim to make it easier to target those difficult to enervate and agitate abdominal muscles that fat loves to cling to. Both pieces of equipment are foldable, and designed to allow a total stomach workout with crunches and sit-ups. Results will depend on how willingly the user will devote time and energy to working out on the equipment.

So, which one should rightfully be described as better abdominal machine? Let us examine the equipment individually, beginning with the Ab Circle Pro. This looks like a bicycle with no wheels and short legs. Think of it like the dachshund of the bicycles. Now you put your knees on the seat, and you lean forward to touch the handles. You can twist your knees left to right to get the oblique muscles, and you can also use it for the frontal love handles, too. And there is a cardio component. There is a versatile element to it, in that the arms, hips, thighs and buttocks get a workout. But the abdominal is the main thing. The Ab Circle Pro comes with a DVD and a nutrition guide to explain the program. Now according to customer reviews, it is not true, as the makers claim, that 10 pounds will be lost in two weeks. One other thing—there is a 30-day free trial period, and if you fall in love with it, be ready to shell out $200, payable in installments.

The Ab Flyer uses an ArcMotion to specifically target the abdominal muscles, and by its construction and the movement options, difficult abdominal exercises can be more easily performed, such as the vertical and horizontal lifts, at no strain to the neck, back and shoulders. The Ab Flyer is not cardiovascular but they encourage daily use to firm up, tighten, and lose inches off the waist. Included is an instructional DVD, workout plan, and nutritional guide. The price is $200, with a free one month trial period. The consumer has the option to return the Ab Flyer at his own expense and be refunded. If the consumer wants to keep it, they offer both a one-time payment and a monthly payment plan option.

So which product deserves to be declared the better ab mahcine? Both products are similar, portable, and foldable. Both cost the same, and promise similar benefits to the abdominals. Reviews on both products indicate that what works for some, fails for others. They are split right down the middle. One thing generally agreed upon though is that it takes time to get used to working both pieces of equipment because of the awkward positioning and movement of each.

Endgame: The Ab Circle Pro works out other body parts like the buttocks, hips and thighs aside from the abdomen. It also has a cardio component. The Ab Flyer is focused on the abs. So do your research and find out what you want. Do you want focus, or something that hits more than one target? And remember to look into issues regarding return of product, return of payment, shipping and handling, etc.