The 10 Best Ab Machines in 2023 to Strengthen Your Core, Improve Posture, and Prevent Back Pain

You know that burn you feel during every sit-up? That comes from muscle contraction, and it’s where the magic happens. This abs machine promises a “constant contraction” as you slide the cushioned swivel seat from the bottom of its arc to the top, working your lower, middle, and upper abs on the way up (and then again on the way back down).

The Fitlaya is made of heavy-duty steel, with an ergonomic knee cushion, foam-covered handgrips, with four different training height levels that can be adjusted to meet different body areas. The smart LCD display also monitors reps, calories burned, and workout time. The Fitlaya can be folded up and stowed when it’s not in use.

Sometimes, the most effective tools are the simplest ones. Ab rollers work by forcing you to engage multiple core (and upper body) muscles as you extend your body out into a plank variation, then pull the wheel back towards your body to return to start.

This one uses a carbon-steel spring mechanism to provide resistance as you roll out, and the wide tread and ergonomic handles help you stay stable even when you’re carving to the side to target your obliques.

Crunches are a classic abs exercise, but do them wrong and your neck and back will be left aching. The ergonomic design of this ab machine helps you maintain proper form so you can really target those deep core muscles (aka your transverse abdominis) — and help you max out the benefits of each and every crunch. It even has a cushioned headrest for extra support as you crank ’em out.

Another so-simple-it’s-genius piece of equipment, these gliding discs should be a staple in every abs workout. Slip them under your hands or feet during bodyweight exercises (like mountain climbers or body saws) and all of a sudden your body has to fight against a new kind of friction, making every move more challenging.

A weight bench isn’t just for bench presses; an adjustable, declining bench also allows for all kinds of abs exercise variations. Hook your legs through the handlebars, and all of a sudden your crunches will feel a whole lot harder.

This one has 10 levels of incline and decline adjustment, and the more intense you make the grade, the harder your core will have to work. Don’t worry about flipping over (even if you add weight!) — it’s made from heavy-duty steel. Reviewers love the “elegant, very sturdy design,” saying they can use it for a range of full body workouts.

This little contraption can be used for a variety of forward- and backward-facing exercises that strengthen your core. Imagine sitting on the bench and hooking your feet under the adjustable ankle pads, then leaning backward for sit-ups.

The key there is in back extension: To keep from falling out of position, you have to engage every muscle in your core. Flip over, and your core is responsible for lifting you up away from the frame. Either way, you’ll be target your abs, your back, and all the smaller muscles that help you maintain a strong foundation.

Swiss balls are an excellent affordable choice for an abs machine; the inflatable nature of the ball is a built-in balance challenge whether you’re sitting on it for crunches or using it as a base for planks (sitting on it occasionally while working is another great way to engage your core). This one can handle up to 600 pounds and has a durable, nonslip surface. Reviewers love how “durable” and “cute” the ball is.

The Stealthy ab machine is a portable health club quality gadget that will appeal to tech-obsessed fitness fiends. The Stealth Fitness app is free to download and includes four games, including Speed Gliding, Color Chase, Galaxy Adventure, and Space Escape. The app also allows you to track your daily progress and includes a real-time worldwide leaderboard.

This machine is great for people who want a stronger core, but are sick of doing endless planks, sit-ups, and crunches.

If you want an ab machine that more than pulls its weight in terms of usefulness, give this power tower a gander. The sturdy, durable tower is made of heavy-duty steel, with ergonomically designed high-density foam rubber grips, armrests, and anti-skid screws.

The dip stand allows you to target your core with a variety of exercises, but it is also multifunctional and can support many kinds of exercises like pull-ups, dips, chin-ups, push-ups, and more. You can adjust the height of the pull-up bar from 76.4 to 84.3 inches.

Reviewers love how “stable” and “effective” the pull-up bar is, adding that it is a “great addition to the home gym.”

Rowing exercises provide an incredible ab-sharpening and core-strengthening workout. This rowing machine is a great way to get a row in without leaving the house.

There are 12 levels of resistance, a digital monitor that tracks your workout progress and calories burned, and an ergonomic design with foot pedals and foam handlebars. You can completely tailor your workout on the Sunny Health machine, and the comparatively small footprint makes it a sensible purchase for a small apartment.

Reviewers call this ab machine a “must buy,” a “good value,” and “fits well in a small space.”