The Best Gym Equipment for Abs

You’ve probably Googled, “What gym equipment is best for abs” more times than you care to admit. You might be bored with your usual floor routine or just looking to up your game.

Let’s face it, strong abs are important for overall fitness, not just rocking a crop top at the beach. What gym equipment is best for building core strength and a more stable body?

Cardio for a Strong Core

It might surprise you but you don’t always need fancy equipment for sculpted abs. This doesn’t mean you can skip the gym entirely. Some good old-fashioned cardio on the right machines works wonders.

Think of it this way: when you’re running, cycling, or even rowing, your core is working overtime to stabilize your body. The longer and more intensely you train, the more you feel that burn in your midsection. This is a good sign your abs are engaged.

Treadmills for Ab Workouts

Ever notice how runners seem to have chiseled abs? Consistent running strengthens the core since your abs are what keeps you upright and maintain good posture when on the treadmill. For the most effective treadmill workout, skip the handrails and focus on form.

If you’re looking to invest in a home treadmill, consider these options:

Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill: Now you can get the thrill of Peloton or Studio.live running classes for a fraction of the cost. And smart features such as convenient 1-touch controls and the most responsive motor — make streaming classes more fun and effective.

Spirit XT385 Treadmill:  This treadmill is designed to keep you motivated mile after mile with a variety of preset programs, including a goal-oriented Time, Calories, and Distance Series. The spacious 22″ x 60″ running surface and reliable 3.5 HP PowerMaxTM drive motor give you all the room and power you need for a comfortable workout.

Ellipticals Engage your Core

Don’t underestimate the humble elliptical machine. Although it seems gentler than a treadmill, standing tall and avoiding leaning forward really works those abs. The core works hard to keep you balanced.

Here are some at-home options:

Precor EFX222 Energy TM Series: It combines the CrossRamp Technology, invented by Precor, with moving handlebars, which will activate the user’s core, arm, and lower body muscles for a total body workout. This unit offers 10 preset programs, heart rate monitoring, and headphone jacks to plug your device into and keep you motivated.

Octane Q37X Standing Elliptical: This unit is extremely comfortable for the user, with close pedal spacing, multi grip handlebars, and wireless heart rate monitoring. Octane Q37X Elliptical is available with two different consoles. The Q37X console has a large display screen with a one color SmartLight feedback center. The user’s data is displayed during the workout, providing valuable feedback. There are two placement options for a table and eight workout programs provide variety.

Wondering which machine is better, elliptical or treadmill, for burning belly fat? It depends.

Choose whichever machine allows you to work harder since putting more effort leads to more calories burned. Sprints on the elliptical or treadmill challenge your core by forcing those abs to contract more than during moderate-intensity training. This increased intensity creates a higher caloric burn both during and after exercise.

You might even notice you are feeling that ‘after-burn’ long after you finish. This effect is known as Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). Using cardio machines this way not only helps with toning those abdominal muscles but helps you lose that belly fat quicker.

Don’t Forget Rowing

Often lauded for their back-strengthening abilities, rowing machines actually give both sides of your torso an excellent workout. Maintaining a straight back, slightly angled back from your hips while on the rower works your abs almost like a modified sit-up.

Here are some recommended rowers you can add to your core workouts:

Life Fitness Row HX Trainer: This offers a smooth, water-based resistance workout, mimicking the natural feel of rowing on water. With its sleek wooden frame and compact design, it’s both functional and stylish, fitting seamlessly into any home gym.

 The machine is easy to store and allows for adjustable resistance by simply adding or reducing water in the tank, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Ideal for full-body, low-impact workouts, the Row HX Trainer combines elegance with effective exercise.

Matrix Rower Machine: The Matrix Rower Machine delivers a powerful, low-impact full-body workout with a combination of air and magnetic resistance for a smooth rowing experience. Its durable, ergonomic design ensures comfort during workouts, while the console provides real-time feedback on performance metrics.

Compact and easy to store, this rower is perfect for home gyms with limited space, offering a high-quality solution for improving cardiovascular health and building endurance.

Stationary Bikes Work Your Abs

Now this one might really throw you for a loop. You may not even think of core engagement when it comes to stationary bikes but engaging your abs helps keep you steady on the bike. Try tucking your tailbone, and bracing those core muscles, all while keeping your upper body straight for a surprising ab workout.

Want to up your cardio and invest in your abs? Here are our recommendations:

Hoist LeMond Rev Master Pro: This bike allows four way adjustability of the height and fore-aft, with micro-adjustments possible on the seat and the handlebars. All of these features offer the user a truly customizable experience.  With improved corrosion resistance, a maintenance free belt, and forged crank and brackets, this machine is very durable and will last for years to come.

Schwinn Airdyne AD7:  Combines the latest in air resistance technology with unmatched durability and performance, allowing you to reach your full potential in the comfort of your own home.

Ab-Specific Machines for the Win

While those cardio machines indirectly work the abs, it’s only fair to discuss specific equipment for chiseling out that six-pack.

Some machines can help with building a strong core, but it’s good to know that a 2017 study showed that core-specific exercises decrease back pain and increase function for those struggling with lower back issues.

It is truly beneficial to build strength in this muscle group. What gym equipment is best for abs?

Let’s dive into some popular machines.

Target Abs With the Captain’s Chair

Also known as the Roman chair, the captain’s chair targets the abdominal muscles effectively and efficiently. Here, you rest your forearms on the handles and then with a straight back, raise your legs.

Want to increase the intensity? Try lifting weights while doing knee raises.

Cable Machines: A Full Body Challenge

The incredibly versatile cable machine provides more ab exercises than you can shake a stick at. Exercises like the horizontal woodchop and Pallof Press really get that core firing. Check out the Hoist MI5 Functional Trainer for an in-home workout.

Push It to the Limits with Pull-Up Bars

If you’ve mastered a standard pull-up, get ready to take it up a notch. A pull-up bar can be used for so much more.

Try out hanging leg raises. They give your core and shoulders a super effective workout. Look at what Sorinex, Perfect Fitness, and Triple Door Gym have to offer. I’ll bet you never realized how challenging a simple pull-up could become.

Intensify Those Sit-Ups with Decline Benches

Sit-ups are a classic ab exercise and doing them on a decline bench takes the difficulty to a whole new level. You can further amplify your workout by adding weights.

Work Those Glutes and Hamstrings with Glute-Hamstring Developers

Don’t let the name fool you; glute-hamstring developer machines are an absolute killer for your abs. Try some GHD sit-ups if you’re looking for an extreme challenge. While they are extremely effective for training both the abs and glutes, this is not a good beginner machine.

Beyond Machines: Incorporating Your Own Body

You might not need any equipment to get those rock-hard abs. A 2020 study actually shows that using the body’s own weight with movements like planks and hip exercises help to strengthen your core and increase stability, especially for those dealing with lower back pain.

Simple movements can often be just as, if not more effective than complicated machinery. For example, using a resistance band in your home workouts can help to increase the intensity.

Find Ab Workout Machines that Work For You

There you have it, finding the best gym equipment for abs can feel intimidating with all the flashy and sometimes complicated machines out there, but the truth is, even using some of the standard machines or simple bodyweight exercises effectively strengthens and sculpts a strong core.

By diversifying your workouts you’ll be working different areas of your abdominal muscles for better engagement and hopefully, fewer plateaus.

What gym equipment is best for abs really comes down to what works for you, your budget, and your fitness goals. But regardless, there are many choices that work toward achieving stronger abs.

Fitness Expo Stores a variety of ab machines to boost your fitness goals. Give us a call or visit the following showrooms: New Orleans/Metairie, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Jackson (Mississippi).