The 10 Best Ab Machines of 2023 for Home Use

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“This is an effective and affordable tool for those looking to step up their ab routine. I would recommend this to friends with an intermediate to advanced fitness level.” —Dana Ingemann, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Ab Coaster

Tristar Products Ab Coaster MAX

4.6

Courtesy of Amazon 

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Our Ratings

• Assembly

  4.5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Quality/Comfort

  5

  /5

• Versatility

  3.5

  /5

• Value

  4

  /5

Pros

• Fairly easy to assemble

• Cushioned handles

• Easy to use

Cons

• Expensive

• Not portable

If you have room for a fitness machine, consider investing in an ab coaster, like the Tristar Products Ab Coaster MAX. Because the machine relies on a simple sliding motion, it’s incredibly straightforward to use, earning it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use.

To use the machine, you simply stand or kneel on the built-in, cushioned foot-and-knee plate and, while gripping the handlebars, engage your core to bend your knees and slide the foot-and-knee plate up toward your chest. Then, keep your core engaged as you slide the foot-and-knee plate back down to the starting position in a slow, controlled manner. We found this exercise to be very effective at working both the upper and lower abs without putting any strain on the neck or back. 

To make the exercise more or less challenging, simply speed up or slow down the motion. You can even use your obliques to twist the foot-and-knee plate to challenge your side abs instead.

The ab machine supports up to 300 pounds, and our testers found it to be very sturdy while using it. As one of the larger machines on our list, the ab coaster was still fairly easy to assemble—our tester was able to assemble it on her own in half an hour—so we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for our assembly attribute.

Our testers also noted that the cushioned handlebars were comfortable, allowing for good grip, even with wet hands. Although this machine is very effective and can even be fun for those with established core strength, it might be too challenging for some beginners. It also takes up more room than other ab exercise equipment we tested. But we’d still recommend it to someone who has dedicated space for a home gym.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“I really enjoyed using this machine. I love that you can add extra weights on the seat to make the workout even more challenging!” —Maia Magill, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Sit-up Foot Anchor

Aduro Sport Doorway Exercise Bar

4.4

Courtesy of Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Assembly

  4.5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  4.5

  /5

• Quality/Comfort

  5

  /5

• Versatility

  3

  /5

• Value

  3.5

  /5

Pros

• Adjustable

• Compact

• Good for beginners

Cons

• No exercise guide included

• Not very versatile

A simple yet effective addition to any home gym, this Aduro Sport Doorway Sit-up Exercise Bar allows you to better isolate your abs during sit-ups and crunches, while keeping your feet firmly in place.

During our test, we found it easy to set up and use, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 for both our ease of use and assembly attributes. To get started, simply slide the bar under a door and tighten the clamp to secure it in place. Then, slip your feet under it and use it to anchor your feet during a variety of ab exercises. 

Our tester found the ergonomic reinforced-steel, foam-covered ankle bar to be durable and comfortable, allowing for good control and traction while she performed exercises. While our tester was impressed with how much keeping your feet anchored with this tool increased the burn during sit-ups and crunches, she found that it wasn’t very useful for other exercises, which is why we gave it a 3 out of 5 for versatility. 

Unlike some of the other products we tested, it also didn’t come with an exercise guide, which can be especially useful for beginners. But the ankle bar is compact and portable, so it’s still a nice option for small spaces—you can even bring it to the office or on a road trip.

Price at time of publication: $30

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“If you’re someone who has trouble keeping your feet on the ground during ab exercises like sit-ups and crunches (like I am), it would be really helpful to have this on hand.” —Rachel Nussbaum, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Two-Set Ab Roller

SKLZ Core Wheels

4.5

Dicks Sporting Goods

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Our Ratings

• Assembly

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Quality/Comfort

  4

  /5

• Versatility

  4.5

  /5

• Value

  3.5

  /5

Pros

• Portable

• More versatile than a single ab roller

• Comes with training guide

Cons

• Not suitable for beginners

• No knee mat included

For intermediate and advanced exercisers looking to take their core workouts to the next level, the SKLZ Core Wheels can help you get more out of your planks, push-ups, and other exercises. We were impressed with how easy it was to get started with them, with no assembly required. The wheels are also very lightweight and could easily be carried in a gym bag, which earned them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for portability.

The wheels can be used to do variations of ab rollouts, as well as traditional core exercises, giving you the ability to tone core muscles at once from different angles. Since this set includes two ab rollers instead of one, we found it to be more versatile than the Vinsguir Ab Roller, so we gave it a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for versatility. 

The set comes with a training guide, so you can choose from a variety of exercises and find the ones that work best for you. Our tester noted that the wheels glided smoothly, and the ergonomic foam handles were comfortable and easy to use. If you’re looking for simple but versatile equipment for a home gym, these wheels are a solid choice.

Price at time of publication: $44

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“These core wheels have a simple design and concept, but their ease of use depends on your existing core strength. Overall, they’re usable for different kinds of exercises, are portable, and user-friendly.” —Madison Yauger, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Core Sliders

Synergee Core Sliders

4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Assembly

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Quality/Comfort

  5

  /5

• Versatility

  3.5

  /5

• Value

  4.5

  /5

Pros

• Compact and portable

• Work on multiple surfaces

• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Plastic can scratch easily

• May be too small for large feet

Core sliders offer a convenient way to make your workouts more dynamic and intense, and this set from Synergee is an affordable, high-quality option. During our Lab testing, we found it easy to get started since there’s no assembly required, and they’re very straightforward to use, which earned them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use. Compact and lightweight, they’re also great for small spaces and to take on the road, which is why we gave them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for portability.

The sliders are dual-sided, so they can work on just about any surface. Use the grippy foam side when dealing with smoother floors, and flip to the plastic side on carpets. Our tester noted that using the sliders required greater core engagement and concentration compared to similar bodyweight ab exercises, which made the exercises harder but also more effective. 

Although we didn’t find this pick to be as versatile as some other ab equipment when it comes to working out your abs specifically—which is why we gave it a 4 out of 5 for versatility—they’re still ideal for moves like mountain climbers, planks, body saws, and knee tucks. Plus, you can also use sliders to increase the challenge of exercises for other body parts, like sliding leg curls or side lunges. They complement other core-strengthening equipment, like balance boards, to improve stability and flexibility.

Price at time of publication: $9

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“These sliders added a nice challenge to mountain climbers and knee tucks. They’re not the most versatile pick when it comes to ab exercises specifically, but great if you enjoy making basic ab exercises harder. Plus, they can be used for a variety of other non-ab exercises to tone your whole body.” —Rachel Nussbaum, Verywell Fit product tester

The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipment of 2023

Best Bench

XMark Fitness Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Assembly

  4

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Quality/Comfort

  5

  /5

• Versatility

  4.5

  /5

• Value

  4

  /5

Pros

• Sturdy frame

• Adjustable

• Ergonomic leg holder

Cons

• Expensive

• Can’t be used in flat position

The XMark Fitness Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench will make a solid addition to any home gym. Because its decline level is adjustable to various degrees, we found that it can be used for all levels of fitness—simply increase the decline if you want to make ab exercises like decline sit-ups more challenging, or decrease the decline to take a load off.  

During our Lab test, we found it to be very accessible for all levels of exercisers, rating it a 5 out of 5 for ease of use. The bench can be adjusted to 12 different decline settings, and it’s particularly effective for exercises such as decline sit-ups, bicycle crunches, and Russian twists. 

Made of a heavy-duty steel frame, it’s very sturdy and durable, which is why we gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for quality and comfort. Although it takes up a lot more space than some other ab equipment we tested, the built-in wheels allow it to be easily moved and stored away when necessary.

We also love that the foam-lined leg holder and plush padding on the bench are durable and comfortable, making exercises more enjoyable. Although the bench can be adjusted to multiple decline angles, our tester noted that it can’t be made completely flat, so it can’t be used as a traditional weightlifting bench for exercises like the dumbbell chest press.

Price at time of publication: $170

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“This bench is great for users of all levels, but especially for advanced users, because it can be adjusted to make exercises easier or more difficult. I also like that it’s very sturdy and comfortable to use. I just wish you could make the bench flat for even more versatility.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Senior Commerce Editor, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Power Tower

Bang Tong & Li Power Tower

4.6

Courtesy of Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Assembly

  4

  /5

• Ease of Use

  4.5

  /5

• Quality/Comfort

  4.5

  /5

• Versatility

  4.5

  /5

• Value

  4

  /5

Pros

• Sturdy frame

• Adjustable height

• Cushioned handles

Cons

• Expensive

• May not work for very heavy people

If you’re looking to challenge your upper body and back, in addition to your core, you can’t go wrong with a power tower like the Bang Tong & Li Power Tower. While some towers are complicated to assemble and use, we found this one to be simple and straightforward, giving it a 4 out of 5 for assembly—a good score for a product of this size. 

Throughout our test, the sturdy piece of equipment proved to work well for both exercises that specifically target the core, like vertical knee raises, and also for upper body moves like pull-ups, dips, elevated push-ups, and reverse chin-ups. This versatility earned the piece of equipment a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for our versatility attribute. 

Crafted from heavy-duty steel, the tower boasts a weight capacity of 330 pounds and has six adjustable heights, from 74.8 to 82.68 inches. Our tester found the foam-covered handles easy and comfortable to grip, even with wet hands. The tower also comes with a manual that has instructions and photos for exercises you can do with it. 

Although it’s not as portable and compact as some other ab machines we tested, the tower is a versatile, durable addition to any home gym.

Price at time of publication: $250

Verywell / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“This ab machine is great for advanced users. I also feel that it is fairly versatile as you can do various ab exercises with it, but also exercises for other body parts—like push-ups and pull-ups. Overall, I think it would be a great ab trainer addition to a home gym.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Senior Commerce Editor, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

The 10 Best Power Racks of 2023

Best Hanging Ab Strap

Dmoose Ab Straps

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Assembly

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Quality/Comfort

  4

  /5

• Versatility

  3.5

  /5

• Value

  4

  /5

Pros

• Durable and well made

• Portable

• Easy to set up

Cons

• Need a pull-up bar, tower, or something to hang from

• Straps could be wider

If you’re particularly bent on targeting your lower abs, but your lower back can’t stomach exercises like lying leg raises, you may want to consider adding these hanging ab straps to your gym routine. Simply attach these straps to a pull-up bar or power tower, use them to support your elbows, and seamlessly perform exercises like hanging leg raises or side leg raises. We particularly recommend this piece of equipment to someone who has a weak grip and struggles to hold on directly to the pull-up bar during these types of exercises. 

During our Lab test, the straps were easy to set up and use, receiving a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for both assembly and ease of use. Lightweight, portable, and easy to store, they can be used at home or at the gym, as long as you have access to a pull-up bar or power tower (or another sturdy object to safely hang them to). 

The straps allow you to do knee raises, leg lifts, pull-ups, and other intensive moves that will isolate your abdominal and oblique muscles while putting minimal pressure on your back. Our tester also noted that the nylon, rip-resistant material felt very durable and comfortable.

While some other ab exercise gear may be a bit more versatile, these straps are a budget-friendly, effective option for advanced exercisers who like ab-shredding workouts that aren’t on the floor.

Price at time of publication: $27

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“I like that the material that goes under the arms is soft, which makes it comfortable to use and easy for various exercises. I only wish the supportive straps were set slightly wider to accommodate a variety of body shapes and sizes.” —Robert Tutton, Verywell Fit product tester

The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2023

Best Exercise Ball

Epitomie Fitness Active Balance Exercise Ball

4.8

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Quality

  5

  /5

• Versatility

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Portability

  4

  /5

• Overall Value

  5

  /5

Pros

• Multiple accessories included

• Durable

• Good for all exercise levels

Cons

• Exercise guide has to be downloaded

• May not work as a chair replacement

Although we did not test this ball as part of our ab machines test, it earned the top spot in our prior exercise balls test (view results for the exercise ball test here), so we decided to add it to this list as it’s also a very good tool for working out your abs. 

Versatile and budget-friendly, this exercise ball works well for many ab and lower body exercises, which is why we gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for versatility. It also comes with a set of three resistance bands that we found to be durable and easy to use. During our test, the setup was very straightforward, and the included pump worked very efficiently to inflate the ball.

Made with high-quality PVC material, our tester found that the ball felt very durable and smooth against her skin, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for feel and comfort. Our tester also noted that the ball offered good stability, and she had no trouble completing a set of exercises on it. The surface is slightly textured, so it was grippy enough to prevent slipping, even when our tester used it with wet hands and legs.

If you want to take the ball on the road, it’s relatively easy to deflate, which is why we gave it a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for portability. We were also impressed with its accompanying exercise guide, which includes workouts suitable for beginners and advanced users. Our tester did note that downloading the guide was a bit tedious but worth the effort for the included full-body exercise instructions.

Price at time of publication: $27

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

What Our Testers Say

“I was very impressed by this exercise ball. For less than $30, you get a super durable ball, three loop bands, and a very effective pump. It took me less than five minutes to fully blow up the ball, and I didn’t have any trouble blowing it up at all. I would recommend this ball to anyone who is looking for a reliable, versatile, and well-priced exercise ball.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Senior Commerce Editor, certified personal trainer, and product tester

Best Half Ball

Sportneer Half Balance Ball

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Quality

  5

  /5

• Versatility

  4

  /5

• Comfort

  4.5

  /5

• Portability

  3

  /5

• Overall Value

  4

  /5

Pros

• Anti-slip base

• Features resistance bands with handles

• Durable and sturdy

Cons

• Not very portable

• Not easy to inflate

Another product we tested during our previous exercise ball Lab test included this half exercise ball (also called the Bosu ball). It’s on our list of best ab machines because it’s great for balance, stability, and traditional ab exercises. During our test, we found this Sportneer half ball to be well-made and durable, thanks to its thick, anti-burst material and non-slip platform base.

Due to its unique shape, pumping up the half ball wasn’t as simple as pumping up the traditional exercise balls we tested. But once we were able to inflate it, the ball was easy to use and comfortable, earning a score of 4.5 out of 5 for feel and comfort. 

We liked that the half ball can be used in two ways—use it with the flat part on the floor for more beginner-friendly balance and core exercises (like sit-ups), or flip the flat part to the ceiling to increase the stability challenge, and use it for exercises like stability ball planks and push-ups.

The included resistance bands add to the ball’s versatility, allowing you to do upper body exercises (like curls and presses) in addition to ab exercises. The ball also comes with a helpful workout guide that offers sample exercises to try.

Unlike a full-size balance ball, it’s not very compact when deflated, which hurt its portability score—we ended up giving it a score of 3 out of 5 for portability for this reason. However, the ball could easily be stored under a bed or in a closet if you don’t have dedicated space for a home gym.

Price at time of publication: $84

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

What Our Testers Say

“This ball is entirely different from most since it has a half-sphere shape instead of a full sphere. However, I actually liked it more because I use balance balls for stability exercises more than strength training. I’ve also tested a bunch of resistance bands and found that the ones included with the Sportneer ball are both durable and easy to use.” —Megan Foster, Verywell Commerce Writer and product tester

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