If you want ripped abs, get a yoga block.

I use one nearly every day. And I’ll match it up against any piece of ab equipment for effectiveness. On cost-benefit basis, it will win hands down. On a six-pack ab basis, it will also win.

Why?

Simple, many exercises are done incorrectly because people are not engaging their core. 

Think about when you do a push up - how much thought do you put ino what your legs are doing? If you’re like most people, you’re thinking about your arms and your chest. But, the correct form for a push-up (or plank for you yoga folks) is a straight line from your head to your heels.

Holding a yoga block between your legs forces you hold your legs straight. This, in turn, engages your core and strengthens your abs. If you’ve never done a push-up correctly, trust me, it’s different and more powerful experience.

It’s not just push-ups, however. A yoga block can make many exercises more powerful: sun salutations (a.k.a touching your toes), sit-ups, etc. Many exercises that require you to keep your legs steady and engage your core can be made more effective by just holding a yoga block between your legs.

Plus, once you have a yoga block, you’ll find that is extremely versatile. It can help you stretch and improve your balance. And it works great for meditating.

Please note, that like any piece of fitness equipment, a yoga block can cause injury. For example, I don’t do twists while holding a yoga block between my legs. I’d also be careful about lifting weights, mostly because you don’t want to lose your balance. Use common sense and ask a personal trainer or a fitness instructor to help you with your form.