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Best Machines at the Gym For Abs: The Ultimate Guide

    ab equipment gym

    Best gym equipment for abs and love handles

    Before we delve into the best machines at the gym for abs, you need to know that these machines have different purposes, either they (1) burn your belly fat or (2) help strengthen your core.

    If you are in a hurry to see the best machines to help burn fat and strengthen your core, see the products in the table below.

     

    Getting a flat stomach or six-pack abs depends on your body fat level.

    If your tummy is covered with fat, your abdominal muscle groups under it will not be visible.

    In this case, you need to focus on burning the fat first.

    Implementing a healthy diet and performing workouts help you burn calories effectively. You can also use the best gym machines for abs to help you train your core.

    Furthermore, training your core is essential for two reasons:

     

    1. To Get a Strong Midsection

    To Get a Strong Midsection

    A strong midsection is vital to your body, as it allows you to perform workouts safely.

    The midsection also connects your lower and upper body. Once it has weak muscles, you won’t get results with your performance.

    Take note that a weaker midsection leads to workout injuries and accidents.

     

    2. To Build Muscle Mass and Strength

    To Build Muscle Mass and Strength

    Ab workouts help build muscle mass and strength.

    Working out your biceps to get them bigger does the same with your core and abs.

    Most of us have more or less belly fat. For this reason, you may need to use both gym machines to boost your core and burn belly fat.

    So, here are the best machines at the gym for abs you can try to develop mass and strength.

     

    Best Machines at the Gym for Abs to Burn Belly Fats ?

    It’s undeniable that physically-demanding activities require your entire body to move, making you burn calories.

    Best Machines at the Gym for Abs to Burn Belly Fat

    Likewise, keeping your core and muscle groups engaged needs more energy; you are burning calories still.

    With this in mind, one type of exercise does not necessarily mean you are burning fats.

    You may need complicated movements to work all your muscles and benefit from them physically.

    You should know that the calories burned largely depend on how intense your workouts are. 

    The more movements involved, the better.

    For instance, walking on a treadmill while clinging to the support handles only gives you minimal benefit.

    To maximize the results, implement additional workouts that require different body movements.

    The best way to use these cardio machines is high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

    Best Gym Machines for Abs

    It is a cardio strategy when you alternate short periods of intense aerobic exercise with not-so-fierce recovery periods.

    This method has proved to be among the most effective ways of exercising to burn as many calories as possible in a short amount of time.

    The number of calories you can burn depends mainly on the following factors:

    • Intensity
    • Weight
    • Time spent
    • Heart rate
    • Age

    Besides, some cardio machines show you the number of calories burned. However, they are not always accurate.

    I recommend using the following gym equipment as the best cardio machine for weight loss.

     

    1. Rowing Machines

    rowing machine for belly fat burning

    The rowing movement is a complex activity that works your lower and upper body.

    Why? As you push yourself with your legs, you pull the handle with your back and arms.

    Your core works simultaneously to support your motion while keeping your posture and position.

    But be careful; you need to have good mobility before using a rowing machine. If not, it may result in lower back problems. 

    You may ask, “how many calories can you burn with a rowing machine?”

    An average trainee can burn between 700-1100 per hour, but the results depend on the aforementioned factors.

    See the current best-selling rowing machine on Amazon below.

    Preview
    Best Weight Capacity
    Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor, Black
    Best Value
    FITNESS REALITY 1000 PLUS Bluetooth Magnetic Rowing Rower with Extended Optional Full Body Exercises and MyCloudFitness App
    Best Price
    Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower with LCD Monitor
    Product Name
    Concept2 Model D
    Fitness Reality Magnetic
    Sunny Health & Fitness
    Performance Monitor
    Wireless Connectivity
    Easy to Assemble
    User Capacity
    500 Pounds
    250 Pounds
    250 Pounds
    Resistance Levels
    10 Levels.
    14 levels.
    8 levels.
    Warranty
    Limited 2-year and 5-year warranty included.
    1 year limited.
    Minimum Warranty.
    Best Weight Capacity
    Preview
    Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 Performance Monitor, Black
    Product Name
    Concept2 Model D
    Performance Monitor
    Wireless Connectivity
    Easy to Assemble
    User Capacity
    500 Pounds
    Resistance Levels
    10 Levels.
    Warranty
    Limited 2-year and 5-year warranty included.
    Ready to Buy?
    Best Value
    Preview
    FITNESS REALITY 1000 PLUS Bluetooth Magnetic Rowing Rower with Extended Optional Full Body Exercises and MyCloudFitness App
    Product Name
    Fitness Reality Magnetic
    Performance Monitor
    Wireless Connectivity
    Easy to Assemble
    User Capacity
    250 Pounds
    Resistance Levels
    14 levels.
    Warranty
    1 year limited.
    Ready to Buy?
    Best Price
    Preview
    Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine Rower with LCD Monitor
    Product Name
    Sunny Health & Fitness
    Performance Monitor
    Wireless Connectivity
    Easy to Assemble
    User Capacity
    250 Pounds
    Resistance Levels
    8 levels.
    Warranty
    Minimum Warranty.
    Ready to Buy?

     

    2. Treadmill Machines

    treadmill running for burning calories

    Running may be the simplest form of exercise, but it does a lot to your body. It is one of the most beneficial cardio exercises that lower your body-fat level.

    Treadmill machines provide you with great support in increasing the effectiveness of your workout.

    You can choose from in-built programs made by fitness experts or change the incline level to feel as if you were running uphill.

    Therefore, you can modify the training to fits your needs thanks to these customizable functions.

    However, treadmill machines cannot replace the full benefits of running outdoor (fresher air and environment). Yet, it provides the convenience you need at your home.

    If you cannot afford it, do it outdoor instead.

    Considering the factors above, how many calories can you burn on a treadmill?

    You can burn about 500-1200 calories per hour but keep the factors in mind again.

    See our top recommended treadmills on Amazon below.

    Preview
    Overall Best
    ProForm 505 CST Treadmill – 2016 model
    Best Alternative
    NordicTrack T Series Treadmill + 30-Day iFIT Membership
    Best Budget
    Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline, Speakers, Bluetooth, LCD and Pulse Monitor, Phone Function, 240 LB Max Weight , grey
    Product Name
    ProForm 505 CST Treadmill
    NordicTrack T Series Treadmills
    Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515
    Protects Your Joints
    Workouts Included
    Digital Display
    User Weight Capacity
    325 lbs.
    300 lbs.
    240 lbs.
    Warranty
    10-year frame warranty and 1-year parts and labor warranty.
    10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.
    Not Stated.
    Overall Best
    Preview
    ProForm 505 CST Treadmill – 2016 model
    Product Name
    ProForm 505 CST Treadmill
    Protects Your Joints
    Workouts Included
    Digital Display
    User Weight Capacity
    325 lbs.
    Warranty
    10-year frame warranty and 1-year parts and labor warranty.
    Interested?
    Best Alternative
    Preview
    NordicTrack T Series Treadmill + 30-Day iFIT Membership
    Product Name
    NordicTrack T Series Treadmills
    Protects Your Joints
    Workouts Included
    Digital Display
    User Weight Capacity
    300 lbs.
    Warranty
    10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.
    Interested?
    Best Budget
    Preview
    Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline, Speakers, Bluetooth, LCD and Pulse Monitor, Phone Function, 240 LB Max Weight , grey
    Product Name
    Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515
    Protects Your Joints
    Workouts Included
    Digital Display
    User Weight Capacity
    240 lbs.
    Warranty
    Not Stated.
    Interested?

     

    3. Stair Climbers (One of the Best Gym Machines for Abs)

    Have you ever climbed stairs for 5 minutes continuously? It is a tough activity.

    The stair climber imitates the same impact on your body, giving a full-body workout.

    Most stair climbers help reduce about 800-1400 calories per hour, making it the most effective stomach fat burner on this list.

    This machine requires good endurance when using it for extended periods, but it is not recommended for people who have knee or hip problems.

    See our top recommended best-selling stair climbers on Amazon below.

    Image
    Overall Best
    FQCD Ergonomic Design Fitness Mini Stepper Multi-Function Hydraulic Foot Machine Household Quiet Fitness Equipment Drawstring Workout
    Best Alternative
    COUYY Electric Treadmill, Walking Machine, Home Fitness Stepper, Stovepipe Machine, Foot Weight Loss Machine, Multifunctional Fitness Machine
    Best Budget
    FQCD Stepper Exercise Equipment Step Machine Led Counting Display Dual Hydraulic Device Easy Query Exercise Data Quiet and Undistur
    Title
    FQCDMini Stepper
    COUYY Home Fitness Stepper
    FQCD Step Machine
    Product Dimensions
    16.92" x 8.27" x 12.99" inches
    17" x 12" x 8" inches
    17" x 9"x 7"inches
    Foot Movement/Action
    Up/Down
    Up/Down
    Up/Down
    Resistance Bands
    Max User Weight
    330 lbs
    224 lbs
    220 lbs
    Overall Best
    Image
    FQCD Ergonomic Design Fitness Mini Stepper Multi-Function Hydraulic Foot Machine Household Quiet Fitness Equipment Drawstring Workout
    Title
    FQCDMini Stepper
    Product Dimensions
    16.92" x 8.27" x 12.99" inches
    Foot Movement/Action
    Up/Down
    Resistance Bands
    Max User Weight
    330 lbs
    Best Alternative
    Image
    COUYY Electric Treadmill, Walking Machine, Home Fitness Stepper, Stovepipe Machine, Foot Weight Loss Machine, Multifunctional Fitness Machine
    Title
    COUYY Home Fitness Stepper
    Product Dimensions
    17" x 12" x 8" inches
    Foot Movement/Action
    Up/Down
    Resistance Bands
    Max User Weight
    224 lbs
    Best Budget
    Image
    FQCD Stepper Exercise Equipment Step Machine Led Counting Display Dual Hydraulic Device Easy Query Exercise Data Quiet and Undistur
    Title
    FQCD Step Machine
    Product Dimensions
    17" x 9"x 7"inches
    Foot Movement/Action
    Up/Down
    Resistance Bands
    Max User Weight
    220 lbs

     


    Best Gym Machines to Strengthen Core ?

    There are lots of gym machines circulating online. Some ab machines are weird and useless, as they don’t fully provide the support you need in increasing your core’s strength.

    Best Gym Machines to Strengthen Core

    Note that you should be careful when choosing gym machines for core strengthening.

    Why?

    They put your body in such a state that it is not natural. Yes, you may be targeting a particular muscle group, but you don’t know if your body can handle it.

    The result? Accidents, imbalances, and injuries.

    Another problem with some ab machines is that they have a lot of control over your movement.

    The purpose of the core muscles is to have a connection between your lower and upper body. Almost all of your core muscles are engaged while performing compound moves.

    For example, when doing a lower back squat, your abs and obliques are engaged to keep the balance and the proper form.

    However, if you sit on this machine, it controls the movement so much that it focuses only on one muscle group of the core and neglects the others.

    Working out this way may lead to strength imbalance within your midsection, leading to injuries when you perform other activities, such as squat or deadlift. 

    Further, the best workouts require your core to control the motion (not by the machine). Of course, you can focus on one particular area, but with the help of other core muscles.

    You can learn more about ab machines here.

    The best gym machines that increase your core’s strength are listed below based on the criteria above.

    We recommended our best products within each section.

     

    1. Pull-Up Station & Vertical Knee Raise Station (VKR)

    Hanging leg and knee raises are excellent moves to strengthen your entire midsection. They work your rectus abdominis (six-pack abdominal muscles), targeting the lower abs effectively.

    In this machine, your obliques work simultaneously and protect your lower back from swinging backward.

    The VKR station below (also called Captain’s Chair or Power Tower) is a great alternative for newbies.

    Thanks to the elbow pads and backrest that keep your body in posture, the equipment is easier and smoother to control.

    See below our top three recommended power towers.

     

     

    Alternatively, pull-up stations will require your body to use its core strength since control is needed.

    Thus, pull-up stations are best for advanced trainers.

    Check out our top three recommended pull-up machines below.

     

    Preview
    Overall Best
    RELIFE REBUILD YOUR LIFE Power Tower Workout Dip Station for Home Gym Strength Training Fitness Equipment Newer Version
    Best Alternative
    Sportsroyals Power Tower Pull Up Dip Station Adjustable Multi-Function Home Gym Strength Training Fitness Equipment Newer Version
    Best Budget
    MAGIC FIT Power Tower Dip/Pull Up Station Multi-Function Workout Equipment for Home Gym Training Fitness Exercise 8 Levels Adjustable Height
    Product Name
    Relife Rebuild Your Life Workout Dip Station
    Sportsroyals Power Tower Pull Up Dip Station
    MAGIC FIT Power Tower Dip/Pull Up Station
    Multi-function
    Ergonomic Design
    Height Adjustment
    9 Levels
    6 Levels
    8 Levels
    Backrest Adjustment
    4 Positions
    7 Positions
    4 Positions
    Construction
    Sturdy Construction
    Heavy-duty Construction
    Sturdy Construction
    Overall Best
    Preview
    RELIFE REBUILD YOUR LIFE Power Tower Workout Dip Station for Home Gym Strength Training Fitness Equipment Newer Version
    Product Name
    Relife Rebuild Your Life Workout Dip Station
    Multi-function
    Ergonomic Design
    Height Adjustment
    9 Levels
    Backrest Adjustment
    4 Positions
    Construction
    Sturdy Construction
    Interested?
    Best Alternative
    Preview
    Sportsroyals Power Tower Pull Up Dip Station Adjustable Multi-Function Home Gym Strength Training Fitness Equipment Newer Version
    Product Name
    Sportsroyals Power Tower Pull Up Dip Station
    Multi-function
    Ergonomic Design
    Height Adjustment
    6 Levels
    Backrest Adjustment
    7 Positions
    Construction
    Heavy-duty Construction
    Interested?
    Best Budget
    Preview
    MAGIC FIT Power Tower Dip/Pull Up Station Multi-Function Workout Equipment for Home Gym Training Fitness Exercise 8 Levels Adjustable Height
    Product Name
    MAGIC FIT Power Tower Dip/Pull Up Station
    Multi-function
    Ergonomic Design
    Height Adjustment
    8 Levels
    Backrest Adjustment
    4 Positions
    Construction
    Sturdy Construction
    Interested?

     

    Additionally, various leg-lift variations target the right muscles, making them suitable for beginners and advanced athletes.

    For example, the windscreen wiper is an excellent workout for your obliques. More about leg raise machine benefits here.

    You can learn some leg raise variations from the following video.

     

    2. Sit-Up Bench

    Sit-ups are excellent core exercises that improve your abdominal muscle strength and size.

    With a sit-up bench, you can add extra resistance that suits your fitness needs.

    In case you didn’t know, most boxers and MMA fighters use sit-up benches to work out their abs.

    Also, there are several exercises you can do with this ab machine, such as the inclined Russian twist for obliques or crunches for the upper abs.

    However, some fitness experts don’t recommend a sit-up bench as it stresses the user’s lower back.

    Alternatively, you can choose a level that isn’t too tough for your lower back.

    You can check this video on doing sit-ups on the incline bench correctly.

     

    3. The Roman Chair

    roman chair hyperextension for core training

    You can never go wrong with the Roman chair (also known as hyperextension bench) if you want to target and strengthen your lower back.

    This machine is ideal for newbies or pro trainers who suffer from lower back pains.

    The Roman chair machine helps strengthen your lower back (plus your hams and glutes), which is an effective way to build your core. 

    However, back extensions can be dangerous if your movements are performed incorrectly.

    Some athletes use this machine for abs training (i.e., sit-ups), but I do not recommend it because it could be dangerous.

    There are better core workout machines for that purpose.

    Preview
    Overall Best
    Finer Form Multi-Functional Weight Bench for Full All-in-One Body Workout – Hyper Back Extension, Roman Chair, Adjustable Ab Sit up Bench, Decline Bench, Flat Bench
    Best Alternative
    Marcy Adjustable Hyperextension Roman Chair / Exercise Hyper Bench JD-3.1
    Best Budget
    Stamina Hyper Bench, Red, 39.5" L x 22.25" W x 33.5" H
    Product Name
    FINER FORM Multi-Functional Weight Bench
    Marcy Adjustable Hyper Extension Bench
    Stamina Hyper Bench
    Adjustable
    Very Stable
    Thickly Padded
    Ankle Pads
    Weight Limit
    600 Pounds
    308 Pounds
    250 Pounds
    Item Dimensions
    60 x 23 x 30 inches
    43.5 x 27.5 x 37.5 inches
    24 x 16 x 5 inches
    Overall Best
    Preview
    Finer Form Multi-Functional Weight Bench for Full All-in-One Body Workout – Hyper Back Extension, Roman Chair, Adjustable Ab Sit up Bench, Decline Bench, Flat Bench
    Product Name
    FINER FORM Multi-Functional Weight Bench
    Adjustable
    Very Stable
    Thickly Padded
    Ankle Pads
    Weight Limit
    600 Pounds
    Item Dimensions
    60 x 23 x 30 inches
    Ready to Buy?
    Best Alternative
    Preview
    Marcy Adjustable Hyperextension Roman Chair / Exercise Hyper Bench JD-3.1
    Product Name
    Marcy Adjustable Hyper Extension Bench
    Adjustable
    Very Stable
    Thickly Padded
    Ankle Pads
    Weight Limit
    308 Pounds
    Item Dimensions
    43.5 x 27.5 x 37.5 inches
    Ready to Buy?
    Best Budget
    Preview
    Stamina Hyper Bench, Red, 39.5" L x 22.25" W x 33.5" H
    Product Name
    Stamina Hyper Bench
    Adjustable
    Very Stable
    Thickly Padded
    Ankle Pads
    Weight Limit
    250 Pounds
    Item Dimensions
    24 x 16 x 5 inches
    Ready to Buy?

     

     

    4. Cable Machines

    The cable crossover machines provide a lot of ways to have weighted abdominal exercises. You can even tweak the resistance and adjust the level to target your fitness needs efficiently.

    The cable machine doesn’t completely control your movements and provides resistance for development.

    There are a lot of cable exercises you can do to target every part of your midsection.

     

     

    Bonus: Ab Wheel, Stability Ball, and No Equipment At All ?

    ab wheel for stomach workout

    These are not your typical gym machines, but they work very well.

     

    Ab Wheels

    The ab wheel is my favorite, as it helps me build an incredibly strong core.

    While rolling in and out, you’ll notice your core works hard and keeps your body stable.

    Additionally, the ab wheel targets your chest, shoulders, arms, and legs, providing a total-body workout. 

    However, newbies may find ab wheel workouts difficult.

    Here is a list of our top three recommended ab rollers. They are good quality products and highly affordable.

     

     

    Also, see this tutorial for ab rollout progression.

     

    Stability Balls

    Stability Ball

    Fitness or stability balls are also great to strengthen your midsection.

    Your core has to work hard to keep your body balanced as it is unstable.

    Stability balls are also very affordable. See our top three recommended balls below.

     

    Preview
    Overall Best
    Trideer Exercise Ball, Extra Thick Yoga Ball Chair, Heavy Duty Stability Ball Supports 2200lbs, Birthing Ball with Quick Pump (Office & Home & Gym)(Black, L(58-65cm))
    Best Value
    Exercise Ball (55cm-95cm) Extra Thick Professional Grade Balance & Stability Ball- Anti Burst Tested Supports 2200lbs- Includes Hand Pump & Workout Guide Access (Grey, 65 cm)
    Best Price
    BalanceFrom Anti-Burst and Slip Resistant Exercise Ball Yoga Ball Fitness Ball Birthing Ball with Quick Pump, 2,000-Pound Capacity, Blue, 58-65cm, L
    Product Name
    Trideer Extra Thick Ball
    Live Infinitely Exercise Ball
    BalanceFrom Anti-Burst Ball
    Anti Burst
    Slow Deflation
    Secure Grip
    Material
    High Quality Extra Thick
    Gym Grade Extra Thick
    Thick and durable material
    Pump Included
    Foot Pump
    Hand Pump
    Foot Pump
    Extras
    Two air stoppers and detailed instructions.
    Two air plugs, valve remover tool, downloadable digital exercise guides, and online training workouts.
    Two year Warranty
    Overall Best
    Preview
    Trideer Exercise Ball, Extra Thick Yoga Ball Chair, Heavy Duty Stability Ball Supports 2200lbs, Birthing Ball with Quick Pump (Office & Home & Gym)(Black, L(58-65cm))
    Product Name
    Trideer Extra Thick Ball
    Anti Burst
    Slow Deflation
    Secure Grip
    Material
    High Quality Extra Thick
    Pump Included
    Foot Pump
    Extras
    Two air stoppers and detailed instructions.
    Interested?
    Best Value
    Preview
    Exercise Ball (55cm-95cm) Extra Thick Professional Grade Balance & Stability Ball- Anti Burst Tested Supports 2200lbs- Includes Hand Pump & Workout Guide Access (Grey, 65 cm)
    Product Name
    Live Infinitely Exercise Ball
    Anti Burst
    Slow Deflation
    Secure Grip
    Material
    Gym Grade Extra Thick
    Pump Included
    Hand Pump
    Extras
    Two air plugs, valve remover tool, downloadable digital exercise guides, and online training workouts.
    Interested?
    Best Price
    Preview
    BalanceFrom Anti-Burst and Slip Resistant Exercise Ball Yoga Ball Fitness Ball Birthing Ball with Quick Pump, 2,000-Pound Capacity, Blue, 58-65cm, L
    Product Name
    BalanceFrom Anti-Burst Ball
    Anti Burst
    Slow Deflation
    Secure Grip
    Material
    Thick and durable material
    Pump Included
    Foot Pump
    Extras
    Two year Warranty
    Interested?

     

    You can also learn many stability ball abs exercises here.

     

    Your Body Weight

    Finally, use your body weight as resistance.

    Exercises like plank, bicycle, Russian twist, etc., do not require any equipment, but they still work.

    With these exercises, you don’t need many pieces of equipment to flatten your stomach or even build a six-pack.

     

    Final Thoughts ?

    Building your core successfully

    These are the best machines at the gym for abs to lose belly fat and build a stronger core.

    Avoid spending your money and time on useless gym machines that aren’t effective in engaging your muscles.

    Use one for burning stomach fat and one or more to strengthen every piece of your core.

    I hope you enjoyed this, don’t forget to share.

    Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    nv-author-image

    James Wright

    James (36) has been working out since he was 15 years old. He has a home gym where he pumps iron, does bodyweight workouts and boxing. He likes sharing his experiences with others who want to build a better physique.

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