4 Types of Ab Machines and How They Work

The truth about ab machines? They’re great for isolating your workouts to strengthen, tighten, and tone your ab muscles – but this alone won’t help you lose weight. Shedding extra pounds requires building muscle plus a modification in your diet, while aerobic exercises to speed up your metabolism to burn fat faster can help.

So, if your goal is to strengthen your core, a.k.a. the foundation of the body that supports the movement of your neck, arms, and legs, you’re on the right track. Ab machines can target your core muscles in your workouts. Plus, having a strong core has a lot of advantages: better posture, greater stability, improved mobility, and a lower risk of injury.

Ready to do the work and build your core? Whether you’re heading to the gym or are looking to invest in your home workout equipment, check out this list of gym machines for abs to consider.

The Captain’s Chair is a versatile machine for various exercises that train and strengthen your entire core. Start with a comfortable workout then increase the intensity from there.

• What it does: Lower ab exercises, such as knee raises on the captain’s chair, promote a balanced and well-developed core. These exercises strengthen your lower abs and work your hip flexors for better stability and mobility.
• How to use it: Stand on the platform and place your forearms on the pads. Hold onto the handles and keep your back pressed against the back pad for stability. Then, lift your legs by bending your knees and bring them up towards your chest. Engage your core. Slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position. Need to make it more challenging? Try knee twists, straight leg raises, or bike crunches to increase the difficulty.

Think: Crunches, but on beast mode. This gym equipment for abs takes crunches up a notch as you perform the exercises with extra resistance. 

• What it does: A seated crunch machine targets the rectus abdominis, or the front area of your core, commonly referred to as the six-pack. Unlike bodyweight crunches, using this machine lets you progressively increase the resistance and intensity of your workout. 
• How to use it: Start by adjusting the seat to your height and selecting a weight that challenges you without compromising your form. Position your legs under the padded rollers and grip the handles above your shoulders. Engage your abs as you crunch forward, bringing your torso towards your knees. Then, return to your starting position, keeping your movement slow and controlled.

For a chiseled, V-shaped torso, make this machine your BFF. The rotary torso machine lets you twist your upper body from one side to another against resistance, building and strengthening your core.

• What it does: The rotary torso machine specifically targets your obliques, or the side ab muscles responsible for the rotational movements of your trunk. Strong obliques add power to your core, not to mention giving you a more defined waistline and a sculpted midsection.
• How to use it: Before you start, use the pin to mark your preferred starting position. How far back do you want to twist? When ready, sit with your feet flat on the floor and your back pressed against the backrest. Hold onto the handles. Then, keep a strong and controlled posture as you twist your torso to one side, engaging your core. Slowly return to the starting position, then do the same to the other side.

Power up your sit-ups by doing them on a decline bench. This machine helps increase the range of motion in your workout and uses gravity for resistance, as the decline forces your abs to work extra.

• What it does: Decline bench sit-ups let you work your core, specifically your rectus abdominis and traverse abdominis. The traverse abdominis, or your deep core muscle, acts like a corset and supports your back, pelvis, spine, and internal organs.
• How to use it: Set the bench to the angle you want and lock your feet under the padded supports for stability. Cross your arms over your chest, then slowly lower your torso until your back hits the bench. Then, engage your core and exhale as you lift yourself back up to the starting position. You can increase the difficulty of this workout by holding a dumbbell or a weighted plate while performing the exercise.

Working out your core is great, but don’t neglect the rest of your body. A total body workout is still key. On these ab machines, you can modify your exercises to include workouts for other areas of concern (e.g., using the decline bench while you lift for a chest workout).

Practice overall body care by keeping your hygiene in check, too. Don’t forget your deodorant. Dove Men+Care Deodorant Spray Clean Comfort has a cool, clean scent and offers 48-hour protection against sweat and odor with its gentle formula that won’t make your skin feel tight, flaky, or itchy.  

Keep your hair fresh and flake-free with Clear Men Cool Sport Menthol Shampoo, which is formulated specifically for men. It has intense cooling power with anti-dandruff technology with taurine and B3 to help eliminate flakes.

Remember these tips, be consistent, and stay committed to your fitness journey. Whether you use ab machines, lift weights, or rely on bodyweight exercises, the key is to keep pushing yourself and make progress. Lastly, remember to work out all your muscle groups (spot-reduction is a myth!) to see results. With time and dedication, you’ll start noticing – and feeling – the improvements in your body.