
There's no hiding the fact that our society revolves around health and wellness, considering the extreme expectations of standards set today. It’s hard enough for anyone starting a new exercise regimen, but starting one after giving birth makes it 1,000 times more difficult. During pregnancy, stretched-out skin can lose its elasticity, and abs often separate. We all have fitness goals and desires and work hard toward achieving or maintaining them. Having a strong core is important, as it affects our stability, balance, and posture, so consistently doing ab exercises like these will strengthen those muscles.
Twenty years ago, sit-ups and crunches were the crazes to get those perfectly defined abs, but science and technology have come a long way in creating products to work all of your abdominal muscles and strengthen your core more effectively. Check out these best ab exercise machines to help you get those six-pack abs you’ve always dreamed of.
Top 10 ab exerciser machines
- Best overall: Finer Form Multi-Functional Weight Bench
- Best multifunctional: Total Gym APEX Versatile Indoor Home Workout
- Best for ab resistance: Core Max Smart Abs and Total Body Workout Cardio Home Gym
- Best sliding discs: Elite Sportz Core Sliders for Working Out
- Best ab wheel: Vinsguir Ab Roller Wheel
- Best power tower: Sportsroyals Power Tower
- Best ab coaster: Fitlaya Fitness Core & Abdominal Trainers AB Workout Machine
- Best rowing machine: XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rowing Machine
- Best ab roller: ABDolly Core Fitness Abdominal Abs Training Machine
- Best training assistant: Perfect Fitness Ab-Crunch and Sit Up Training Assistant
Safety note
Excercise equipment may be beneficial for adults, but when children are in the home, parents should take extra precaution to protect them from injuries. “Playing” on exercise equipment or joining in on exercises without proper instructions can result in child injuries. Before adding or using exercise equipment, be sure to do the following:
- Remind young children that exercise equipment is not a toy and should not be played on, with, or around.
- Keep all exercise equipment unplugged when not in use.
- If a safety key is included, remove the safety key from the machine and store it in a safe and secure place.
- Consider teaching age-appropriate children the correct and safe way to use the equipment, and remind them only to do so under supervision.
- Think about storing exercise equipment in a separate room and adding a lock.
Best overall: Finer Form Multi-Functional Weight Bench


Pros
- 3-inch cushion
- High-quality steel
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Some complaints of assembling difficulty
- Certain exercises can cause slight wobble
Finer Form’s workout bench is a great multifunctional piece of equipment to define and tone during any full-body workout. The triangular-based bench (with a soft 3-inch cushion) is made from high-quality steel that prevents any shaking or movement during workout sessions and includes a glossy coated finish resistant to scratches.
The multifunctional bench is perfect for a handful of exercises, including arms, legs, and glutes, but its purpose for toning abs makes it the best overall product. It combines a workout bench for sit-up twists with a Roman chair for hyperextensions, and, of course, it adjusts for crunches and reverse crunches. The list of capabilities is endless, and having one piece of equipment to do the job of multiple products is clearly a winner.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 58.66 x 22.44 x 34.65 in.
Best multifunctional: Total Gym APEX G3 Versatile Indoor Home Workout


Pros
- Shorter workouts for busy adults (still effective)
- Folds easily for storage
- All-in-one equipment
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy if needing to move it
For those who like an all-in-one piece of equipment, the Total Gym APEX G3 Versatile Indoor Home Workout is the perfect solution. You can perform over 70 different low-impact exercises with eight levels of resistance while using this product to tone, strengthen, and condition muscles, both in the lower and upper body.
The bench also includes a wing attachment, squat stand, leg pull accessory, dip bars, Total Gym TV access, and DVD. The brand states that using their product 15 to 20 minutes a day, three to four days each week will make a difference, making this great for busy adults that struggle to find time to get a workout in.
One five-star reviewer from Amazon said, “I haven't enjoyed working out like this since I was 15 years old! There is more than enough resistance to really work your muscles (for MOST exercises — weight can be added to legs), and I really feel the workouts. You get full range of motion, and the pulley system makes for super smooth movements.”
Dimensions (LxWxH): 93 x 16.5 x 43.25 in.
Best ab resistance machine: Core Max Smart Abs and Total Body Workout Cardio Home Gym


Pros
- Maximize results within minutes each day
- Easy to use with little to no strain
- Multiple intensities
Cons
- Can only hold up to 220 lbs.
- Not the highest quality material
Core Max’s Total Body Training System promotes getting toned abs in just eight minutes a day by combining eight muscle-burning exercises in their very effective product, which has been proven possible with their 4.5 out of 5-star rating. It offers three levels of resistance and support in both directions to help maximize results while still minimizing strain on the body during use.
Here's what one Amazon customer had to say: “I absolutely love this machine! I started using it right away, found a video on YouTube that shows how to use it properly with great easy exercises. After using it every day, minus the weekends, I have noticed I am way more toned after just 30 days and maybe 15 minutes of using it. Great product! Definitely recommend!!”
In addition, the Core Max comes with a 14-day nutritional eating guide, digital workout videos, and a workout chart with pictures.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 18 x 22 x 14 in.
Best sliding discs: Elite Sportz Core Sliders for Working Out


Pros
- Low impact, maximum results
- Lightweight and easy to travel with
- Can be used on most surfaces (hardwood, carpet, tile, etc.)
Cons
- Picks up hair and dirt
- No handles/straps
We’ve all seen the disc sliders on TV or social media but often wondered whether they really work. The 6,700+ 5-star reviews on Amazon love the ease of use, but don’t let the low impact fool you: These simple discs will kick your butt.
One Amazon reviewer states, “I bought these innocuous looking pinky girly discs, expecting an equally lady-like workout on the living room carpet. That illusion lasted for about 2 or 3 ‘strides’ (in place) on these sliders before I realized they cause even military special forces to weep for mercy! I tell you, these are probably the best invention on this planet since sliced bread and Thermos!”
Elite Sportz Core Sliders tone your core, arms, and legs all in one workout. They are also the perfect travel size and can be used on nearly any surface, making you (and your workouts) unstoppable.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.09 x 7.09 x 0.91 in.
Best ab wheel: Vinsguir Ab Roller Wheel


Pros
- Dual-wheeled (more stable)
- High-quality material
- Easy to assemble/disassemble
Cons
- Those lacking balance may have more difficulty
- May not be suitable for those with back pain
Almost everyone who dreams of washboard abs is prone to check out ab wheels eventually, and Vinsguir, with its competitive features, is not a brand to be missed. Compared to other brands, it provides extra support and stability with its two-round wheels (versus the single-wheel models). The material is also more comfortable with EVA rubber cotton handles featuring a nonslip and comfortable grip. With over 12,000 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why Vinsguir is the brand to go with.
Wheel width: 3.2 in.
Best power tower: Sportsroyals Power Tower


Pros
- Great for users of almost all heights
- Stable equipment
- Soft cushioning for arms, elbows, and back
Cons
- Assembly can be confusing to some
- On the pricier end
The Sportsroyals Power Tower is a multifunctional piece of equipment that supports a number of exercises, including vertical knee raises, dips, and pull-ups, and is perfect for defining and toning arms, core, shoulders, chest, and back. As far as stability goes, the H-shaped base and eight supported points ensure that whether it's in use or not, your equipment isn’t going anywhere. Reviewers claim that the instructions to assemble are “IKEA-like” and take approximately an hour to build. When assembled correctly, the equipment is shake- and squeak-free.
Dimensions (HxWxD): 86 x 28 x 42 in.
Best ab coaster: Fitlaya Fitness Core & Abdominal Trainers AB Workout Machine


Pros
- Good quality
- LCD monitor for tracking
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- May not be ideal for beginners
- Low to the ground
With over 1,600 5-star reviews on Amazon, Fitlaya Fitness is making strides with its Core & Abdominal Trainers AB Workout Machine. The ab trainer offers four (adjustable) training height levels to meet different targeting needs and maximize workout efficiency. It also comes with an LCD monitor to track calories burned, workout time, and the number of repetitions in a session.
One consideration to think about before purchasing this product is that it may not be the best option for those just starting on their fitness journey. Several Amazon reviewers claimed it was much more difficult to perform than expected (but no pain, no gain, right?). As far as comfort goes, the machine is made of heavy-duty steel, high-quality knee cushions, and foam-covered hand grips for a comfortable experience while sweating it out.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 35.5 x 15.7 x 34.5 in.
Best rowing machine: XTERRA Fitness ERG600W Water Rowing Machine


Pros
- Uses water for a "true rowing effect"
- Tracks time, calories, strokes, etc.
- Quieter than many competitors
Cons
- Expensive
XTERRA’s ERG600W Water Rowing Machine is standing up to its competitors by using water as a resistance mechanism for a lifelike experience (compared to its competitors who use air). The machine, made from high-quality alloy steel, aluminum, and plastic, uses a water tank to replicate the peaceful sounds of rowing on the water.
There are seven workout programs to choose from and six resistance levels, depending on the amount of water in the tank. An LCD monitor shares your time, calories, distance, strokes, and even the room’s temperature during the rowing session. If you’re looking for a machine that can help you do some serious rowing, XTERRA’s got you covered.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 79.5 x 20.7 x 33.9 in.
Best ab roller: AB Dolly Core Fitness Abdominal Abs Training Machine


Pros
- Works all four ab muscles
- Good for cardio exercises
- Can be used on all floor types
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Wheels may not appeal to all consumers
The Ab Dolly may look like just another simple floor product at first glance, but don't be fooled. This product tones and tightens all four ab muscles and can transform even those stubborn spots other exercises are unable to achieve. The product comes with a workout DVD to help guide you on the correct forms of the exercises specific to the product. One reviewer on Amazon said, “I discovered this product in Orangetheory and bought it for my home use. It is easy to use. I HATE abdominal workouts, but this is so easy to use and you feel it working immediately. Love the variety of exercises that can be done on these… videos on YouTube still haven't exhausted the possibilities.”
Dimensions (LxWxH): 24 x 21 x 8.25 in.
Best training assistant: Perfect Fitness Ab-Crunch and Sit Up Training Assistant


Pros
- Easy to use
- Can work out multiple parts of the body
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bulky; doesn't fold for easy storing
- Can't adjust the resistance
Similar to the Core Max Smart Abs machine, Perfect Fitness created a product to help consumers perform crunches and sit-ups without causing pain or injury. Not only can it be used for ab workouts, but you can flip it upside down for dips and push-ups. The backing material is designed with mesh, so it’s very breathable, and you don’t have to worry about sliding around or getting too hot if you sweat through it. Overall, the Ab-Crunch and Sit Up Training Assistant is a simple, easy-to-use machine that anyone from beginner to expert can use without fault.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 28 x 26 x 25 in.
How to choose the best ab exerciser machine for you
Choosing the perfect ab exerciser depends on several factors, including a budget, fitness levels (including any restrictions), and personal goals to achieve your desired results. Are you looking for a simple piece of equipment to increase resistance and help you take your sit-ups to the next level? Or, are you looking for an all-in-one machine that works all of your ab muscles but can also tone your back, legs, and arms? No matter which product you choose, you can find the perfect product to transform your abs — it just depends on the features you want and what is safest for you (especially for those who may be newer moms).
FAQs
What’s the most effective ab machine?
When it comes to finding the most effective ab machine, there is no one right answer. Everyone’s body works differently. Equipment and other machinery work differently from one another, and the area of your abs that you’re focusing on during your workouts can change from day to day. If you’re more advanced, a power tower might be the best option for you, but if you suffer from neck or back pain, give a sit-up training assistant a go. You’d be surprised by how different equipment can vastly change your workout and results.
What’s the No. 1 best exercise for abs?
Eat This, Not That, GQ, and other health publications have agreed on one ab exercise that stands out at the top of the list: planking. While it may not require extreme exertion, it takes concentration, strength, and balance, working every muscle in the body for a correct plank. If planks are something you absolutely cannot stand doing, there are similar alternatives. Bicycle crunches, Russian twists, and even captain’s chairs all work several muscles that still give your abs a good workout.
Do ab machines actually work?
Absolutely — as long as you do them correctly. When working out, there is such a thing as the correct way to do an exercise and having the proper form. Otherwise, you might not even be engaging the muscles you are working toward building and defining. The key to finding a product that works is researching options, finding good, quality-made products, and experiencing satisfaction after consistent use.
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