The Best Workout Equipment to Target Abs
For better or worse, chiseled abs have become the emblem of peak fitness for most of us. And partly, that's because it isn't easy achieving those washboard abs. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or a new recruit looking to get in the shape of your life, having the right equipment can help you make efficient use of your workout time. It's hard enough getting abs as it is — why not opt for some gear to help you focus your efforts? With that in mind, we rounded up some workout equipment specially designed to train your abdominals.
What to Look For
While we scrutinized potential picks for this roundup, we focused on products that shared three qualities: ease of use, cost value, and space efficiency. Not everyone has space for a big home gym, so we especially liked multifunctional gear that lets you perform various movements without taking up lots of space. For example, the Roman chair we highlighted from Sunny Health & Fitness is a great option for anyone trying to chisel their midsection. This chair lets you do all types of exercises to target the core, and it folds up nicely when it’s not in use. But we also picked a few types of specialized gear specially designed to perform targeted exercises. Fitnessery’s ab roller, for example, is one of the most simple, cost-effective pieces of equipment out there for ab work, and Hawk Sports’ abdominal slings are also a great pick. To learn more, keep on reading.
Fitnessery Ab Roller
No need to reinvent the wheel
Yes, you’re seeing it correctly: our favorite piece of workout equipment to target the abdominals is a little wheel. But this isn’t just any wheel. Ab rollers like this one help provide some of the toughest ab workouts out there. And they couldn’t be easier to use, either. All you have to do is get on your knees, hold the roller by the grips, and roll that wheel out straight in front of you while tightening your core and keeping your back straight. Even expert athletes are shocked when they try the ab roller for the first time — that’s how good of a workout this simple little tool provides.
Pros:
- Knee pad included to provide cushioning between you and the floor
- Rubber treading prevents it from slipping on slick surfaces
- Extremely easy to assemble
Cons:
- It’s important to use good form while using this, so patience is required
Power Guidance Ab Exercise Mat
Humble beginnings
Nobody enjoys the feeling of not being able to do a few crunches, and it’s always that initial stage of weakness that feels the most discouraging. This exercise mat is designed to mitigate that difficulty and make it easier for you to do proper crunches with good form as you build your abdominal strength. It’s well-made, lightweight, and durable, and thanks to its small size, you can easily store it away when you’re done working out.
Pros:
- Great for those at the beginning of their fitness journey
- Very affordable
- Especially useful for those with limited mobility
Cons:
- Not the most versatile
Sunny Health & Fitness Roman Chair
Abs and lats and glutes, oh my
If you haven’t used a Roman chair before, you’re in for a treat. Simple as can be, the Roman chair allows you to perform all types of core-centric exercises at home, such as decline crunches, twists, and hyperextensions. It works by putting you in positions in which gravity provides the resistance, so you can use this without needing to shell out money on weights and other gear. Plus, it couldn’t be simpler to use.
Pros:
- Can be folded when not in use
- Can support up to 250 pounds
- The handles provide a good grip
Cons:
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
Relife Rebuild Your Life Power Tower
From high above
Both fitness minimalists and maximalists alike are drawn to power towers like this one. Minimalists love a good tower power because it can single-handedly provide everything you need to target your main muscle groups. Maximalists love it because it allows you to perform specialized exercises that can be difficult to do without the right equipment, such as dips and pull-ups. We love it for all of those reasons, but we selected it here because it opens up so many opportunities for core workouts. From abdominal raises and hanging bicycle exercises to more advanced movements like hanging windshield wipers, you can do it all on this power tower.
Pros:
- Capable of supporting up to 330 pounds
- Allows you to perform unique hanging exercises to target the abs in a new way
- Suction cups on the feet ensure it doesn’t slip and slide
Cons:
- Takes some time to assemble, but with some patience, you shouldn’t have any issues
Hawk Sports Hanging Abdominal Slings
Hang in there
There are many great ab-centric exercises that can be done while hanging. But hanging for long periods of time requires arm, back, and shoulder strength, and sometimes those muscles might give out before we’ve fully exercised our abs. These slings are designed to help you perform hanging ab exercises without having to use all your strength to hold yourself up. That way, you can focus entirely on your form while you focus on exercising your core.
Pros:
- Made of strong nylon, so they should last a long time, even with frequent use
- Extremely portable, so they’re great to bring along while traveling
- Can support up to 300 pounds
Cons:
- Length can’t be adjusted
Frequently Asked Questions
When people refer to the core, which body parts are they talking about?
The core is the center of your body, and it plays an integral role in creating balance and stability between the torso and the legs. When people refer to the core, typically, they’re referring to the glutes, hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles.
What exactly are the abdominals?
The abdominals are one of the most important muscle groups in the body. They help hold your organs in place, facilitate breathing, connect your torso to your legs, protect the spine, and so much more.
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