Having strong abs isn’t just about getting that famous six-pack look; core strength impacts balance and stability throughout the entire body. Fortunately, there is a wide range of equipment you can use to strengthen your abdominal muscles and build a stronger core, all right in the comfort of your own home.
If you’re looking for a low-cost way to strengthen your core, try an ab roller (also known as an ab wheel). This piece of exercise equipment looks like a small dumbbell on wheels that you hold on to at each side. Get down on the floor, then roll yourself up to form a straight line with your legs and back (think a plank). When you return to the starting position, engage your ab muscles to keep yourself in the straight position. This simple yet effective machine is a great way to work your upper and lower ab muscles, as well as your obliques and transverse abdominis.
Another top option for home-based workouts is a sit-up bench. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trainee, an adjustable sit-up bench can help you target the muscles in your core. Most of these exercise machines allow you to adjust the angle of the bench, which can increase or decrease the resistance. A more steep angle provides more resistance and requires more strength, while a softer angle offers less resistance and is more appropriate for beginners.
A cable machine is also a versatile piece of gym equipment that can be used for core exercises. Among the most effective core-training exercises using a cable machine include the Pallof press and horizontal wood chop, which involve moving the resistance band across your stomach. A cable machine can also be useful for performing exercises that involve a range of motions, such as the bent-over row and seated leg raise, both of which target the obliques.
If you want to take your core training to the next level, consider incorporating a suspension trainer into your routine. Suspension trainers are fitness tools that are similar to the bands you use for yoga, and they can be a fun and challenging addition to your workout. They can be secured to a door or wall to create a challenging workout for the entire body.
If you’re a home gym beginner, it’s important to choose equipment that will provide a range of different exercises. Avoid pieces that only perform one type of movement or are too large for a home gym. For example, crunch machines are often quite large and may not fit into your space. On the other hand, the Ab Solo home fitness equipment by The Abs Company is a compact and fun-looking piece of equipment that targets your core muscles and helps keep you interested in working out. It features a patented ball return design that allows you to customize your ab workouts. This machine is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their core training at home, regardless of age or fitness experience.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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