Summer may be over, but it is never too late to get that 6-pack ab you’ve always dreamed of. While crunches and sit-ups work, you will need to do hundreds of them to start seeing results. Plus, let’s be honest here, counting one to a hundred can be pretty boring and tiresome. Read Here: Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Top 5 Editors Picks
Want to make your core workouts more efficient and entertaining?
Get the best home ab machine!
Not only do they rip your core to shape but they also allow you to exercise from the comforts of your own home.
But, wait. Do you really need one?
The Benefits of Using Best Ab Machines
Ab machines are what they sound, helping you get that 6-pack ab by making your core workouts more efficient. However, apart from getting absolutely ripped, there’s a whole list of benefits to using the best ab machine.
1) Better Performance
From the best ab machine, you can get a better-stabilized core, which helps in improving your sports performance. Sports such as football, basketball, and soccer all rely on you using your limbs in order to shoot, move, and tackle. And having a stable and strong core can help improve the forces in which you attempt these movements.
2) Improved Posture
If you often feel like you are slouching when working out and you feel this sharp pain in your shoulders and neck, then you probably have a poor posture. With the best ab workout machine, you can practice proper posture and reduce the compression that you put in some parts of your body, ultimately improving your workouts and make you feel a hundred times better.
3) Reduces Lower Back Pain
A common problem with traditional core workout is the lower back pain that comes with it. However, with the best ab machine workout, you can increase core strength while also training your back muscles. This way you reduce lower back pain that you might experience when focusing on core strengthening moves.
4) Better Breathing
The intercostal and diaphragm are directly related to the core. Thanks to the best ab machine, you will manage to strengthen your core, allowing you to breathe better.
5) Slim Down
There are some ab machines out there that also allow you to incorporate cardio workouts. Such workout variety shall help you in slimming down while also training your core.
How To Choose The Best Home Ab Machine?
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of doing core workouts and having the best home ab machine, how do you choose the right one? With the market offering hundreds of ab machines, choosing the only one can be quite confusing. Not to worry, we made a comprehensive buying guide just for you!
1) Types
First off, what kind of ab machine you want. With an ab machine, you get various options to choose from.
- AB ROLLERS / AB WHEELS
Ab rollers are something that just about everyone has seen but only a few have used. It usually looks like a wheel, however, some variations have a wheel with handles that come out of either side from the center.
They are small and the concept is quite simple. You get on your knees with your feet raised off the ground. Then, lean forward, pushing the ab roller out in front of you. However, do not let such simplicity fool you. These ab machines are not for the faint of heart and should be used by people with experience in working out and already have a solid lower back and core.
Ab rollers can train all parts of your core with your bodyweight alone. Other than working your core, an ab roller can also work your chest, shoulders, hamstrings, and arms.
- AB BENCHES
This is a great option if you want to adjust your workouts in terms of intensity since it provides you with a range of positions. With ab benches, you can start with the flat bench position, increasing the difficulty by increasing the height of your legs or the incline.
Not only that, but this type of ab machine also allows you to add weights, in order to add resistance to your training and have better results. You won’t be restricted to one single motion with an ab bench and you can actually be creative with your movements as well as changing specific muscles that you’re targeting. Such versatility is what makes an ab bench a great investment.
- AB GLIDERS
Ab gliders are quite interesting ab machines. This type of machine has different variations with various names, sometimes called coasters, but consist of similar or same motion.
Using an ab glider, you will need to sit on your knees on a cushioned platform. Then, you need to reach forward with your hand and grab the handlebars in front of you. From there, you need to pull your lower body forward and moving your core into a position that resembles an upright crunch.
Some models of ab gliders allow you to do twisting motions, allowing you to target those hard-to-reach muscles on the sides of the abdomen. Not only can it give you a nice ab workout, but ab glider also trains your arm.
This kind of ab machine is most suitable for beginners, however, people who are already experienced in training the core can also benefit from them. Now, the above types of ab machines are the most common and ab-focused machines. There are other types of machines that also work your core, in addition to other parts of your body. These include:
- ROMAN CHAIRS + BACK HYPERTENSION BENCHES
Roman chairs are the less-known ab machine. This is because they primarily work on your lower back. However, a strong back makes it possible for you to effectively use an ab roller and other ab-focused machines.
You can perform hypertension workouts with these machines, yet they can also help target your abs, hamstrings, and glutes. This versatility makes them a great home workout machine, however, when compared to the other types of machines mentioned above, roman chairs have a relatively weaker impact on the abs.
- POWER TOWER
Power towers are very common in the garage and home gyms, allowing you to work various muscle groups and body areas. They allow you to do bodyweight workouts such as leg raises and pull-ups which work effectively on your abs. They also work your back, contributing to better and more efficient core workout. The only problem is they take up too much space, even the compact space-saving models.
- EXERCISE BALLS
Stability balls, bosu balls, core balls, or just about any type of exercise balls also help in training your core. And no, they’re not just for women. These balls are great tools for anyone who wants to build their core because regardless of what move you’re doing, whether it is for your abs or not, you’re forced to squeeze your core and use your stabilizer muscles to maintain balance and keep the ball from moving. Compact and inexpensive, you can perform several workouts with it and helps in improving your balance.
2) Size
If you have a spacious home gym, then size shouldn’t be a problem for you. However, if you live in an apartment or small spaces, then you need to consider the size of the ab machine you’re looking at.
3) Durability
You need to look for the machine’s ruggedness, reliability, and quality. Can the machine stand up to your weight or intense workouts you perform? As with any purchase you make, you want something durable that can last for years.
4) Adjustability
If you are new to core workouts, then you might buy an ab machine that can be adjusted to your current fitness level. For instance, consider if the resistance of the ab machine can be adjusted. This is also beneficial if you there are other people with different fitness levels in your household who wants to use the machine.
5) Versatility
There are some ab machines that are designed solely to work your core muscles. Period. However, if you want something that can work other areas and muscle groups as well, then you may want to consider a more versatile equipment which can be used in various ways.
6) Portability
If you want to train your core on the go or constantly traveling from one place to another, then you might need an ab machine that is portable. Portability is also important if you have a small home gym that requires you to move and store your workout equipment every after sessions.
7) Workout Guide
If you are new to fitness workouts, then you know how confusing it is to use a new machine for the very first time. In order to make the most out of a new ab machine, you can consider choosing a model that comes with some kind of workout guide. This way, you will be guided on how to use it correctly and possible suggestion for your workouts moves to get the maximum result.
8) Price
The price for ab machines will vary depending on the type you’re considering, the quality, and its features. Always remember that low prices do not necessarily mean low quality. With plenty of options to choose from, you need to compare with other machines and models to find the best out of your money.
The Top 5 Best Home Ab Machine 2020
We have compiled a list of the best home ab machine to help you make your buying decision a bit easier.
1) Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Roller
This is probably the best-designed ab roller on the market today. Its extra width of the roller ensures that you’re entirely stable when working out. IT is also very forgiving when you have the occasional slip-up. Its hand rips are also made of soft rubber, making it very comfortable and ergonomic to hold.
This ab roller scores handsomely over its competition in the market. That’s because of the advanced carbon steel spring mechanism, ensuring greater resistance in your workouts. Also, because of the extra width, you can safely pivot to the sides to engage all ab muscles more efficiently.
This ab machine can handle up to 300 pounds of weight. It even has rubber rolls to protect your carpet and floor, but we still recommend that you do not use this machine in the same spot.
2) WONDER CORE Smart
This ab machine from WONDER CORE is most suitable for the small-spaced home gyms. It is essentially a small padded seat featuring movable supports, taking up very little space. And yet, it promises support for 8 different workouts that target your core, making it highly versatile.
Designed to be suitable for beginners, the WONDER CORE Smart includes a workout DVD as well as fitness guides as part of the package. Plus, it comes to you fully assembled. There are also 2 adjustable resistance settings, making it suitable for beginners.
This ab machine comes with a maximum weight limit of up to 250 pounds. This is particularly useful if you need assistance doing workouts such as pushups and sit-ups. However, for the seasoned fitness enthusiasts, this ab machine may be lacking in training your core.
3) XMark Ab Workout Bench
For the old school gym individuals, here’s the XMark Ab Workout Bench. This adjustable Ab bench makes it a good buy, suitable for both short and tall folks with equal comfort.
The bench has been ergonomically designed to help reduce strain on your body. Then there’s the inclusion of the support handle that helps improve safety and allowing you to mount and dismount it with ease.
The ab bench also boasts a comfortable cushion as well as leg rollers. Meanwhile, its 14-gauge steel construction can handle a lot of weight and should stay stable and safe. Meanwhile, the powder-coated finish makes it extra durable and sturdy. As a matter of fact, it can support up to 400 pounds of weight, strong enough to support extra weights such as dumbbells.
The bench can also be adjusted at various angles so you can perform numerous core workouts. The device comes to you unassembled, however, the assembly can be pretty straightforward and simple. Overall, the XMark Ab bench is quite strong and accessible to people of varying fitness levels and physique.
4) Fitnessery Ab Roller
Roll your way to a 6-pack in a few minutes a day with another favorite Ab wheel. The Fitnessery Ab Roller is super easy to use and a convenient equipment to train and strengthen your core.
The roller features ergonomic and comfortable EVA handles that help in reducing hand fatigue as well as preventing any injuries. Meanwhile, the wheel itself is constructed from stainless steel and durable PVC and non-slip rubber so that it can be used on any surface.
The manufacturer is also generous enough to include a nutritional eBook, an exercise eBook, as well as a foam mat for extra knee protection. Plus, there’s also the lifetime money-back guarantee.
5) Tristar Products Inc. Ab Coaster Max
Lastly, we have the Ab Coaster Max, one of those “As seen on TV” abdominal product that has done its tour on the infomercial circuit. The Ab Coaster Max is constructed to minimize strain and stress on your neck and back while training and strengthening your abs as well as obliques with its unique “bottom-up motion”.
Its seat can also be adjusted and move, so to work other parts of your core for a total workout. The kneepad will keep you comfortable, while also allowing you to break down to twit and target your obliques, maximizing flexibility and giving stability to prevent strain to your lower back.
The machine itself is made of high-quality steel from stainless steel rails to steel bearings for durability. In fact, the machine can hold up to 300 pounds making it suitable for people of all fitness levels. The gliders are constructed from smooth nylon for an ergonomic and comfortable grip.
You can even add an extra 30 pounds of resistance with the optional weight plates included. There’s also a cardio-based DVD, a healthy meal planner, and a 14-day exercise program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are ab machines really effective?
A: Yes. The best home ab machine that is used consistently will definitely bring results. However, keep in mind that it also depends on how your workout and what you eat. You could have a nice, strong pack of abs, but you might never see them if they’re hiding under a layer of winter fat.
Q: Are ab machines better than floor workouts?
A: Yes! Ab machines help enhance and improve your core workouts. With floor exercises such as sit-ups and crunches, you need lots of reps a day in order to see results, plus you are also prone to fatigue, injury, and strain. However, ab machines are better-designed platforms that help you provide a more efficient workout for better results.
Q: Can an ab machine help me lose stubborn belly fats?
A: Yes and no.
An ab machine can help you build toned and lean muscles in your core. The actions of building your abs won’t actually cause you to shed those stubborn belly fats. However, when you have more muscles, you burn more calories since these muscles need more fuel in order to stay active. By combining intense ab workouts with an ab machine and an appropriate diet, you can lose belly fat effectively.
Final Thoughts
Home ab machines are a mixed brunch. There are types suited for fitness newbies and beginners as well as those aimed for the seasoned fitness enthusiast. Each machine will vary in the design and effectiveness of core workouts with some machine focusing only on your abs while some can help strengthen other muscle groups.
However, all of them can promise one thing— the 6-pack abs you’ve always imagined. And although they can’t give it to you overnight, with a comprehensive workout plan and a proper diet, the best home ab machine can surely help you meet your fitness goal and sculpt those ab curves.