Crunches work those abs into shape, yes. But they can only take you so far in your quest for a strong core and toned abs.
To engage and train your core muscles, you also need to make room for exercise equipment in your routine.
We’re not talking about those ab machines that claim to be the key to getting six-pack abs in no time.
Fact is, there is no single or ultimate solution.
But there is a number of exercise equipment that together can bring you closer to your #abgoals and get you ready for stand up paddle boarding season and help you get rid of those love handles.
Best Ab Exercise Equipment For Home Gyms
Certain machines target specific muscle groups, including the rectus abdominis and obliques.
Some of these exercise machines for stomach toning allow you to increase the resistance for a more intense workout.
Others are extremely versatile, designed for performing different types of ab exercises and targeting love handles.
What you must figure out then is which set of equipment will benefit and suit you the most.
So which ones stand out and are worth considering? Here’s a roundup.
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1. Captain’s chair or power tower
If you want to work on your obliques and rectus abdominis, get on a captain’s chair or power tower.
With its pull-up bar, plus dip sections, this equipment is perfect for doing hanging leg raises—one of the most beneficial ab exercises.
Begin by placing your forearms on the padded bars. Then grip the handles on the sides.
With your feet dangled and body stabilized, you can raise your hips and lift your knees so they’re parallel to your shoulders and close to your chest.
Return to starting position and repeat 10 to 15 times for two sets.
Our recommendation for the best power tower for the money: RELIFE REBUILD YOUR LIFE Power Tower
2. Adjustable sit-up benches
The sit-up bench is a quintessential favorite.
A staple in gyms, this tried-and-tested ab machine comes in an adjustable design that lets you change the angle of the board to increase or decrease the resistance based on your needs.
It’s also a great choice if you like mixing things up. The sit-up bench can be used for a variety of ab exercises, from sit-ups and crunches to leg raises and twists.
You can even incorporate weights to strengthen your core further.
Just remember to opt for units that are wide and long in order to avoid straining your back.
Our recommendation for the best adjustable ab bench for the money: XMark 12-Position Adjustable Ab Bench
3. Ab roller
It may look simple, but the ab roller packs a punch.
It trains not just your upper and lower abs but also your arms, back, chest, hamstrings and shoulders.
All you need to do is to roll it in and out.
The catch: It’s easier said than done. With the ab roller, you’ll only see results if you use it properly and efficiently.
And to do that, you must already have a solid core. So if you’re new to the game, this may not be the best fit.
What’s the key to getting it right then? For your starting position, kneel and grab both grips of the ab roller (remember to keep your knees slightly apart).
The wheel should be placed between your knees, a couple of inches from the center.
Next, stretch out your arms, roll the wheel forward and lower your body until it’s close to being fully extended.
Raise your body to return to starting position and then repeat.
The right way to use an ab roller:
One of the benefits of an ab roller is that it strengthens more than your core muscles. In fact, an ab roller can improve your balance and strengthen your arms, which is great news for rock climbers.
Our recommendation for the best ab roller for the money: Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller
4. Roman chairs or hyperextension benches
You may have been working all your abdominal muscles. But that doesn’t mean you’ve covered all your bases.
For a firm core and a slim waist, you also need to train your lower back.
And for the best results, use a roman chair.
On a roman chair, besides dips and sit-ups, you can perform the hypertension exercise, which includes movements designed to strengthen your lower back as well as your hamstrings and legs.
By developing your lower back, you can worry less about lower body pain and injuries.
A pro? You can also do advanced core exercises on a roman chair.
But if you’re prone to back pain, check with your doctor first.
Our recommendation for the best ab roller for the money: Body-Solid Powerline PCH24X Adjustable Hyper Extension Roman Chair
5. Ab Coaster or Glider
With this type of machine, you balance on your knees, instead of your feet, on a padded platform.
As you reach to grab the handlebars and pull yourself toward them, you are basically doing a crunch while being upright.
Ab gliders and coasters are good for beginners since they take some of the strain off your actual abs.
But it still strengthens them, which is exactly what you want.
Our recommendation for the best ab coaster or glider for the money: Ab Coaster PS500
6. Medicine balls
Medicine balls come in various sizes and weight, depending on how intensely you want to workout.
It lets you perform different moves and workouts, plus it allows for extra resistance.
But the medicine ball is not just versatile. It’s very efficient too, especially when you use it to develop and strengthen your ab muscles.
Targeting your obliques? Do the medicine ball tap. Stand with your back facing a wall, knees bent slightly, feet apart, arms stretched out in front, and hands holding the medicine ball.
Next bring the ball to your side by bending your arms and rotating your waist to the right until the ball touches the wall.
Go back to the center and do the same movement on your left side.
Aim for two or three sets, with 10 to 15 repetitions per set.
Our recommendation for the best medicine ball for the money: Cap Barbell Medicine Ball
7. Exercise ball
Don’t underestimate the power of an exercise ball, especially when it comes to abdominal training.
Working out on this large, lightweight and bouncy ball requires keeping your balance and staying in control of your movements.
That means you get to engage and strengthen several muscles at a time.
And that in turn makes it an efficient option for doing sit-ups, crunches and planks, among other exercises.
Say you want to try modified crunches. Begin by sitting on the middle of the ball with your feet on the ground.
Then lie back with your thighs and torso parallel to the ground.
Next, with your hands behind your head or arms criss-crossed over your chest, raise and lower your torso as you would do during normal crunches.
Do two sets consisting of 15 to 20 repetitions.
Our recommendation for the best exercise ball for the money: ProBody Pilates Exercise Ball
FAQS
Here’s the answers to some commonly asked questions about working out abs and love handles-
What workout machine is best for love handles?
To target your love handles, you will need to target that specific area, as well as do a bit of cardio.
You need to lose fat and tone.
For toning that area, we recommend a Roman chair and for fat loss we recommend a treadmill or elliptical.
What’s the best exercise for abs and love handles?
Doing Russian twists with a medicine ball is a great exercise that strengthens your core and tones up those abs so you can get rid of those love handles.
Mountain climbers and abdominal scissors are also good exercises to target love handles and abs.
What machines at the gym give you a smaller waist?
Rowing machines are a great choice if you want equipment that gives you a smaller waist.
Just be sure to use proper form, because it is easy to get hurt on this machine if you’re not doing it right.
Does elliptical get rid of love handles?
Yes, the elliptical machine can be used for cardio to work on getting rid of your love handles.
Stick with using your elliptical machine regularly and you’ll start to see those love handles disappear.
Is rowing machine good for love handles?
Yes, the rowing machine is good for love handles.
Stick with using your rowing machine regularly and you’ll start to see those love handles disappear.
What gym equipment is best for hip fat?
Any cardio machines, like the treadmill and elliptical are good for hip fat if you make them part of a regular exercise routine.
You can also use a hip abduction machine and a leg press for targeted toning of the area.
What machines are good for core workouts?
All of the equipment and machines listed above are good for core workouts.
Final Word
Selecting the right exercise equipment for your needs may help you start off on the right track.
But you must also learn how to use them properly to get results.
Throw in hard work and persistence to the mix, and the strong core and abs of your dreams will be well within your reach.
