The Best Ab Machines to Strengthen Your Core at Home in 2024

Tired of dreaming about that beach-ready six-pack? Make it a reality with one of the best ab machines on the market.

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Whether you’re simply looking to get toned or improve your core strength for other athletic endeavors, an ab machine can be a game-changing piece of equipment. With so many different types of fitness tools to tone your abs and shape your core, finding the right one for your goals can be challenging. That’s why we created a list of some of the best ab machines on the market in 2024, as well as a comprehensive guide on how to find the right ab machine for you.

Our Picks for the Best Ab Machines of 2024:

• Best Ab Sliders: TRX Kevlar Ab Slider
• Best Lower Ab Machine: SideShaper
• Best Ab Machine for Small Spaces: Rogue Fitness Ab Amigo
• Best Low Impact Ab Machine: TRX RIP Trainer
• Best Multi-Use Ab Bench: Bowflex SelectTech Bench
• Best Ab Machine for Beginners: Gaiam Ultimate Core Toning Kit
• Best Smart Ab Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Core Glider Ab Trainer Machine
• Best for Back Problems: TheraBand Pro Series SCP Stability Ball
• Best Budget Ab Machine: Synergee Core Sliders
• Best Ab and Cardio: Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Row-N-Ride Rowing Machine
• Best Budget Ab Roller: REP Fitness Ab Roller

Best Ab Sliders: TRX Kevlar Ab Slider

TRX

Make your everyday exercises a bit more challenging by utilizing sliding discs under your hands or feet. From mountain climbers to pushups to lunges, the TRX Kevlar Ab Sliders can add an entirely new level of difficulty to your at-home workouts by forcing you to maintain core stability. We chose the TRX sliders as the “best ab sliders” because they’re made with a synthetic material called Kevlar that’s much more durable than other fibers used for sliders, like polyester.

Specs

• What’s included: Two disc sliders
• Product weight: 0.5-pounds each
• Max user weight: Not listed
• Dimensions: seven-inches in diameter
• Materials: XD Kevlar

Pros

• Can be used for many different ab exercises
• Travel-friendly
• Excellent for all fitness levels
• Available in soft back and hard back

Cons

• Not the best for an isolated core workout
• More expensive than ab sliders from competitors

Best Lower Ab Machine: SideShaper

Amazon

The SideShaper was one of the first reverse crunch machines to hit the market, and you may have seen one of their infomercials on TV. It’s similar to a rowing machine—with a padded surface that moves along a rail—except it’s elevated in an inverted V-shape. The SideShaper enables different crunching movements that can tone your entire core, particularly your lower ab region. This design also utilizes bilateral swiveling technology that enables you to move your body from side to side, targeting your obliques.

Specs

• What’s included: SideShaper machine, heart rate monitor, nutritional guide, goal-driven meal plan and workout poster
• Product weight: 28-pounds
• Max user weight: 250-pounds
• Dimensions: ‎43.75-inches L x 22.5-inches H x 7-inches W
• Materials: Alloy Steel

Pros

• Multiple difficulty levels
• Targets every region of your abs, especially your lower abs
• Features a smart LCD display for tracking time, reps and calories burned

Cons

• Not the best for those who have joint pain in their hips, knees or elbows
• Not suitable for those weighing more than 250 pounds

Best Ab Machine for Small Spaces: Rogue Fitness Ab Amigo

Rogue

The Rogue Fitness Ab Amigo is a doorway sit-up bar with a stable, padded foothold. At around 17.5-inches L x 5.5-inches H, it’s small enough to stash away in just about any closet or small storage space when you’re done using it. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to visibly store workout equipment around your house, this portable size is ideal. To use the Ab Amigo, simply slide it underneath a door, dresser, couch or nightstand, place your feet under the wooden panel and begin your sit-ups. Securing your feet in place helps you to maintain proper sit-up form—without lifting your feet off the ground when you crunch upwards.

Specs

• What’s included: Ab Amigo
• Product weight: 3.5-pounds
• Max user weight: Not listed
• Dimensions: ‎17.5-inches L x 5.5-inches H
• Materials: Wood, steel and thick foam padding

Pros

• Holds your feet in place for sit-ups
• Quality materials
• Takes up very little space

Cons

• Some people report the Ab Amigo slipping out from under the door
• Limited range of compatible exercises

Best Low Impact Ab Machine: TRX RIP Trainer

TRX

The TRX RIP Trainer is an innovative fitness tool that combines a weighted bar with a resistance bungee that connects to a stationary surface (ex: a door or chain-link fence). To use the RIP Trainer, anchor the bungee cord, hold the weighted bar and perform resistance exercises that target your abs, obliques, hips and back. The RIP Trainer is low-impact because it allows you to control the intensity level, and it doesn’t put excessive strain on your joints.

Specs

• What’s included: TRX RIP Trainer, safety strap, medium-resistance cord and door anchor
• Product weight: 4.4 pounds
• Max user weight: Not listed
• Dimensions: 11.18-inches handle length
• Materials: Nylon, elastic, plastic and foam

Pros

• Can be used to strengthen multiple muscle groups, not just the abs
• Relatively portable, lightweight piece of gear
• Covered by a six-year warranty

Cons

• Not a budget piece of equipment
• Requires a place to anchor the bungee cord

Best Multi-Use Ab Bench: Bowflex SelectTech Bench

Bowflex

The Bowflex SelectTech Bench offers a secure platform for performing a diverse range of core stabilizing exercises, including reverse crunches, hip lifts and decline sit-ups. Weight benches can also be used for exercises that target other regions of the body when used with equipment like dumbbells or weighted barbells. The Bowflex SelectTech weight bench is made of durable, commercial-grade steel with a padded vinyl seat. It’s an excellent piece of equipment for those looking to build a more well-rounded home gym, but it’s not the best choice for those with limited space or a tight budget.

Specs

• What’s included: Bowflex SelectTech Bench
• Product weight: 59.5 pounds
• Max user weight: 550 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎62-inches L x 27.1-inches W x 41.2-inches H
• Materials: Steel and vinyl

Pros

• Very easy to adjust the angle of the bench
• Folds up nicely to save space (folded dimensions are 23.9-inches L x 28.1-inches W x 52.3-inches H)
• Works for a versatile range of exercises

Cons

• An expensive piece of equipment
• Takes up more space than other equipment on this list

Best Ab Machine for Beginners: Gaiam Ultimate Core Toning Kit

Gaiam

The Gaiam Ultimate Core Toning Kit is good for beginners who want a full-body, Pilates-style workout from the comfort of home. This Gaiam kit comes with a durable, four-looped Core Reformer that can be used for a wide range of workouts, including squats, bicep curls, side steps and oblique leg lifts, to name a few. It also comes with a lightweight, eight-inch mini ab ball that works for simple exercises like leg lifts, overhead crunches and obliques. The kit is a good fit for beginners because the equipment helps to build a base level of strength, is relatively affordable and doesn’t require a ton of space.

Specs

• What’s included: Four-looped Core Reformer, eight-inch mini ab ball and exercise guide with digital workouts
• Product weight: Not listed
• Max user weight: Not listed
• Dimensions: ‎Ab ball is eight-inches in diameter
• Materials: Inflatable vinyl ball and elastic Core Reformer with plastic handles

Pros

• Multi-functional toning kit
• Helpful exercises included in the guide
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• Materials aren’t as durable as other on this list
• Requires some instruction to use

Best Smart Ab Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Core Glider Ab Trainer Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness

The Sunny Health & Fitness Core Glider is an ab machine that targets multiple muscle groups, including your abs, obliques, glutes and hamstrings. It’s similar in concept to the SideShaper—both have knee pads that slide along an inclining rail. The Core Glider’s incline is adjustable, and the machine folds into a smaller footprint (9.84-inches H x 22.6-inches W x 53.1-inches L). It also has a digital screen that tracks calories burned, rep count and total circuit time, among other stats. You can store a smartphone in the device holder and connect it to the SunnyFit App for training videos and workout tips.

Specs

• What’s included: Sunny Health & Fitness Core Glider Ab Machine and accompanying SunnyFit app
• Product weight: 22.7 pounds
• Max user weight: 220-pounds
• Dimensions: 36-inches H x ‎22.6-inches W x 56.1-inches L
• Materials: Steel and foam

Pros

• Multi-functional workout tool for various muscle groups
• Portable, fold-up design
• Digital monitor for progress tracking

Cons

• Has a max user weight of 220 pounds
• Warranty only one year for frame and 180-days for other parts and components

Best for Back Problems: TheraBand Pro Series SCP Stability Ball

Perform Better

The TheraBand Pro Series SCP Stability Ball is a therapy quality exercise ball used for bodyweight exercises. Stability balls are useful for back flexibility and building core strength, which are important for alleviating back pain. The TheraBand ball comes in a wide range of sizes and works well for those looking to perform low-impact core exercises. Plus, it can easily be deflated and stored away when not in use.

Specs

• What’s included: TheraBand Pro Series SCP Stability Ball, two plugs, an inflation adapter, measuring tape for ensuring proper inflation size and the TheraBand Exercise Ball Guide with 24 exercises
• Product weight: 3.09 pounds
• Max user weight: Not listed
• Dimensions: ‎18–30-inches diameter
• Materials: Rubber

Pros

• Available in multiple sizes
• Includes helpful exercise chart
• Easy-to-clean surface material

Cons

• Doesn’t come with an air pump
• Not suitable for those under four feet, seven inches tall

Best Budget Ab Machine: Synergee Core Sliders

Synergee

The Synergee Core Sliders provide a budget-friendly way to get a strong core workout. Core sliders can be used to make exercises—such as mountain climbers, lunges and push-ups—more difficult by engaging the core for balance and stability. Plus, the seven-inch Synergee discs are dual-sided, so they can be used on both carpet and hard floors.

Specs

• What’s included: Two Synergee Core Sliders
• Product weight: 0.5-pounds each
• Max user weight: Not listed
• Dimensions: ‎Seven-inches L x 0.5-inches H
• Materials: Plastic and EVA Foam

Pros

• Dual-sided for use on multiple surface types
• Compact and convenient
• Low price

Cons

• Tend to get slippery when sweaty
• Materials may wear out with frequent use

Best Ab and Cardio: Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Row-N-Ride Rowing Machine

Sunny Health &Fitness

The Row-N-Ride Machine from Sunny Health & Fitness is a squat assisting machine that works your abs, quads, hamstrings and glutes just like a regular squat would. The machine expands and contracts like a pair of scissors, powered by your kicking and pulling motion. The handlebars provide stability, while the adjustable resistance bands provide three levels of resistance for warm-ups, low-intensity workouts and high-intensity workouts.

Specs

• What’s included: Row-N-Ride Machine
• Product weight: 31.3 pounds
• Max user weight: 220 pounds
• Dimensions: 45.3-inches L x 19.3-inches W x 50-inches H
• Materials: Alloy Steel and elastic

Pros

• Different levels of resistance for varying fitness levels
• Easy to fold up and store away
• Easy-to-read monitor that displays rep count, time and calories burned

Cons

• Can be difficult to operate for those with shorter limbs
• Not a budget piece of fitness equipment

Best Budget Ab Roller: REP Fitness Ab Roller

REP Fitness

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly ab roller, the REP Fitness Ab Roller has a quality design with a value price point. The simple design can help to improve your overall core strength, focusing on full-body tension to increase your stability. It’s also quick to assemble and easy to take with you on the go.

Specs

• What’s included: REP Fitness Ab Roller
• Product weight: Two pounds
• Max user weight: Not listed
• Dimensions: Not listed
• Materials: Plastic and metal

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Gripped handles and treaded tire
• Portable

Cons

• Plastic handles may not be as comfortable as rubber or foam padded handles
• Mostly made of plastic, which isn’t very durable

Benefits of Using an Ab Machine

Improved sports performance

Many sports and physical recreational activities rely on stability, core strength and balance. When you perform abdominal workouts, you can strengthen your core muscles, which can improve your athletic performance and make daily tasks like carrying groceries and walking up stairs easier.

Reduced back pain

Back pain can affect people of all ages, shapes and sizes. One of the biggest contributors to back pain is a weak core. Also, when you don’t exercise your lower back muscles, they can become rigid and stiff, which can lead to chronic lower back pain. Good abdominal exercises are made to target the spine and the back muscles, giving you more flexibility. It’s also worth noting that your core muscles connect to your spine, so as you work your core, it contributes to back strength.

Improved posture

Ab workouts can improve your balance and posture; they work to strengthen the muscles around your spine to help you better distribute your body weight. Not only is having good posture better for spinal health, but it’s also one of the key factors in feeling confident.

Increased weight-bearing abilities

By focusing on your core strength, you increase your weight-bearing abilities. Individuals who engage in abdominal workouts are able to perform weighted exercises with more ease, without having to worry about damaging the spine.

Tighter waistline

Obesity and diabetes are some of the most common diseases in the U.S. High-intensity abdominal workouts, paired with a healthy diet, can help to reduce excess body fat, which is one of the main culprits of these diseases. Also, when you increase muscle mass in the ab region, you increase your body’s metabolism, which can help you burn more fat.

How to Choose the Right Ab Machine for You

Fitness goals

Are your goals to simply strengthen your core, or are you looking to get a full-body workout?

The type of gym equipment you buy will depend on your overall fitness goals. The more versatile the ab machine, the more muscle groups you can target during workouts.

Fitness level

Be honest about your fitness level before buying a machine. If you’re just starting out, you might consider something simple, like an exercise ball. This tool can help you get your body used to core exercises before you move on to more difficult movements, such as rolling an ab wheel.

Pre-existing pain

Note any areas of pain or weakness in your body. For example, if you suffer from chronic back problems, a hyperextension chair or ab wheel may not be the best choice. This is especially true if you don’t already have a base level of core strength. If you have a back injury or issues with chronic pain, consult your doctor before using an ab machine.

Cost

How much are you willing to spend? A higher price often means better quality and durability, but a more expensive piece of equipment may not align with your goals and fitness level. Budget tools can be just as effective as expensive ones. If you want to add an expensive piece to your home gym, many companies offer financing if you can’t pay the full price up front.

Space

It’s important to determine how much space you have at home for an ab machine. If you want a piece of equipment to strictly strengthen your core, you can get something as portable as a pair of ab sliders or an ab wheel. However, if you want to target other areas of your body, you may need to upgrade to a larger machine that incorporates resistance bands or weights.

Durability

When choosing the right ab machine, cheaper options don’t often last much longer than a few years. Generally, materials like steel and rubber will last longer than plastic or foam. Also consider the length of warranty coverage for the equipment in your shopping cart.

Size and weight limit

Ab machines come in all shapes and sizes. Make sure the product you’re purchasing fits with your height and weight measurements. Also, make sure to look at the weight capacity. If you get a piece of equipment that’s too large or too small, it could result in damage or injury.

Ab Machine FAQs

Do ab machines actually work?

When used regularly, ab machines work to strengthen your abdominal muscles. If a stronger core is your goal, then yes, ab machines are effective. But if your goal is burning fat around your stomach and waist, then you’ll need to pair cardio and strength training with a healthy, balanced diet.

How often should you do ab workouts?

Working your abs one to three times a week is sufficient to optimize your abdominal development without overtraining. The abs are like any other muscle—they require rest to heal and grow.

Are ab machines safe?

Ab machines are generally safe, though it’s important to recognize that what’s safe for one person might not be safe for another. For example, those with mobility issues should exercise caution when operating motor-operated fitness tools. Talk with your doctor before using an ab machine if you have any injuries or chronic pain issues.

What’s the most effective ab workout?

The most effective ab workout depends on your goals. There are a variety of ways to get an effective core workout, either with or without exercise equipment. Some great ab machines for beginners include stability balls and sliders. As your core strength improves, you might consider equipment that enables more intense exercises, like ab rollers.

Final Thoughts

When performed correctly, abdominal workouts can do wonders for the body, including supporting good posture, increasing your stability and preventing chronic back pain. The tools in this roundup offer various ways to target your abdominal muscles from the comfort of your own home. Make sure to do your research to determine which ab workout machine is right for your needs, and you’ll be on your way to that beach body!

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.