In this review and buyer’s guide, you will find my editor’s choice award for the best sit up machines for home use. I have personally picked and reviewed 5 of the best ab machines and sit up equipment available online today. This guide will help you determine which of these situp machines is best suited for your individual needs.
More than just a review, this comprehensive buyer’s guide will help you better understand everything you should know about home ab machines. This would include what makes them so much more effective than just doing situps on the floor, some workout tips, and how to get the best results, and much more.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is a Sit Up Machine?
- Ab Machines for All Ages and Fitness Levels
- Home Sit Up Equipment can Make All the Difference
- Our 5 Best Sit Up Machines for Home Use Review
- How to Get the Best Results from Your Sit Up Equipment
- Sit Up Equipment Workout Tips
- Which is the Best Sit Up Machine for You?
- Why You Should Own a Sit Up Machine for Home Use?
- What makes the Home Ab Machine So Effective?
- Good Reasons To Own Sit Up Equipment?
- Final Thoughts
What is a Sit Up Machine?
An abdominal machine is a device built to specifically target the abdominal muscles which include lower and mid-section, upper abdominals and obliques. Some machines are built with a variety of resistance options such as bands or springs, while others operate solely with bodyweight resistance.
Technique and body position will vary from one machine to the next. Some may operate from a kneeling position, others from a lying position, while some from a seated or even a hanging position.
Regardless of machine type or technique used, all ab machines are made with one purpose in mind. To directly target and stimulate your abdominal muscles for the best possible results.
Ab Machines for All Ages and Fitness Levels
When it comes to building a strong core and chiseled abs, adding an abs machine to your home gym can break the monotony and help add a whole new dimension to your current abdominal workout routine. This can offer new challenges and create new opportunities to make reaching your goals a reality.
- Learn what sit up equipment can do for you.
- How an abs machine can help support your neck and back.
- How sit up equipment can benefit people of all ages and all fitness levels.
- Find which home ab machines are the best to add to your home gym and give you the best results.
- Learn about the different types of abs machines and what makes them so effective.
- Get workout tips that will get you started immediately and with the best results.
NOTE: The doorway sit up bar is another very inexpensive device that can help assist you in performing sit-ups without a spotter. Check out my Top 5 Doorway Situp Bars here!
The quest for stronger, chiseled, six-pack abs is by far the most sought-after fitness goal of all. Both men and women alike, enjoy the aesthetic look of a slim waistline and ripped abs. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most difficult body parts to conquer, and not always easy to work out. Especially at home.
Home ab machines can provide you with more exercise variations than your typical floor sit-ups or crunches.
Without any type of abs machine at home, you are left with your ordinary sit-ups on a hard floor with your feet tucked under a couch. Or perhaps even some leg lifts off the edge of a chair for some lower ab stimulation. Whatever the case may be, your options are fairly limited.
Home Sit Up Equipment can Make All the Difference
There are many variables to consider besides exercise alone in order to achieve a flat stomach. These variables include a healthy meal plan low in fat and low in carbohydrates. While also drinking a lot of water just to name a few.
The other is to challenge your abs with various exercise methods. That said, your conventional sit-ups alone may not always be enough to get the job done.
By adding an abs machine for home use , you will be adding a whole new dimension to your workout that will kick-start new progress that situps alone will not achieve.
As with most fitness goals, adding change and challenging your muscles is vital for achieving progress. Performing the same exercises with the same resistance over and over again will leave you stagnant and at a dead end.
Therefore, adding a new home ab machine with added resistance levels and new exercise options may be what you need to finally jumpstart your progress and get you closer to your fitness goals.
Our 5 Best Sit Up Machines for Home Use Reviewed
#1 5 Mins Shaper Pro (#1 Choice for Best Abs Machine for Home)
The 5 Mins Shaper Pro is probably one of the best ab machines when it comes to effectiveness and quality. This well designed reverse crunch ab machine has it all. If you are looking for a machine that will offer intensity and produce results, this is the machine for you.
This abdominal machine will engage all core muscles, lower and upper abs, obliques, and lower back. It also includes swivel action and LCD monitor, and optional resistance bands for added resistance!
Swivel Action Design for a Total Core Workout
With its 15-degree bi-directional swivel action design you can directly target you’re right and left obliques with precision action. With its easy adjustable pin, you can adjust and lock in various degrees of incline. In this way, you can set the intensity levels from less intense to more intense.
And if that’s not enough, you hardcore fitness enthusiasts can even add additional resistance bands for even greater levels of intensity. Perfect for challenging your abs even more as you get stronger and your abs get more chiseled.
The Pro Edition also includes a heart rate monitor and fitness tracker. Now you can keep track of your progress while also monitoring your pulse, calories burned, repetitions, and the time spent on the ab shaper machine.
And if that’s not enough the 5 Mins Shaper Pro will easily fold and store in a closet, or under a bed in a matter of seconds.
This machine is 40 x 21 x 35 inches, weighs a mere 24 pounds, and has a max weight capacity of 220 lbs.
Also included with this machine is an instruction manual and exercise chart. This chart features workout routines that are easy to follow and will get you started immediately.
A free nutritional guide will help you reset your body and offers a meal plan to help reach your goals more quickly.
If you’re up for the challenge, you really can’t go wrong with the 5 Mins Shaper Pro.
#2 Ab Coaster Max Deluxe with Weights
Even though the Ab Coaster Max Deluxe is similar in technique with its bottom-up motion, it still has some major differences in construction and adjustability and functionality. What makes this ab machine different from the previous ab shaper is its unique arc design and the fact that it uses free weights to adjust your workout intensity levels.
Arc Creates a Constant Core Contraction
Its unique arc construction provides the user with smooth and natural movements to target your abs and is easy on the back. The free-moving seat is cushioned for comfort and will twist, giving it the added function of working both your right and left oblique muscles.
Add Weights for More Intensity
This home ab machine comes with two 5 pounds standard weight plates. You can use these to increase your workout intensity as you progress over time. You can purchase additional weights to add more intensity as needed.
This machine is perfect for beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts alike. It’s durable and long-lasting still Construction supports a max weight of 300 pounds making it a bit sturdier than the 5 Mins Ab Shaper. However, this machine is heavier and not foldable for easy storage.
I would consider both his ab machine as well as the prior ab shaper to be top quality machines. They are both very effective at targeting your abdominal muscles. However, if you are looking for a machine to support more than 200 pounds, the Ab Coaster may be a better option.
Please be aware that there are many different models of this ab machine with a wide range of prices. This particular model that I am recommending is the Ab Coaster Max Deluxe with weights, by Ab Coaster. Other models can be much more expensive, so use caution when ordering.
#3 Wonder Core 2 (Best Home Abs Machine for Seniors)
I have tried my best to add at least one seated ab shaper machine for those of you with limited mobility due to back issues, age, or physical handicaps.
With these machines, you will not have to struggle to get down on the floor. Or getting back up for that matter.
I have found one machine that is capable of not only functioning as an ab shaper but also offers additional options to train other body parts as well. The Wonder Core 2 sit-up exerciser is a 12in1 workout machine built to not only assist you in performing sit-ups and leg lifts for your core muscles but also provides the functionality to add a full upper body workout routine.
Best ab machine for seniors and beginners, but still offers enough punch for the advanced fitness enthusiast.
This home ab machine offers dual resistance, which means you can get resistance on the way up as well as on the way down. When performing situps, you can independently adjust the support and resistance levels for moving up and back down again to fit your particular fitness level. This makes using the Wonder Core 2 easy for anyone to use.
The Wonder Core 2 seat will twist and turn with your every move which enables you to work your abs from all angles. Another very important feature to note is that this machine also offers full back support when performing your ab exercises.
12in1 Workout Machine for All Ages!
Wonder Core 2 goes beyond just abdominal workouts. With its built-in rowing attachment, designed with exercise bands, you can experience a total body workout with more than 8 different exercises. Here is a list of exercises, including the ab exercises you can perform on this machine: 1.Leg lifts; 2.Back; 3.Rowing; 4.Stretching; 5.Crunches; 6.Ab pushdowns; 7.Ab tuck; 8.Push-ups; 9.Twist; 10.Air bike; 11.Arms workout; 12.Core bang training.
Best ab machine and upper body workout combo system for a full body exercise routine!
The Wonder Core 2 not only offers great flexibility but is also a highly adjustable machine with 4 adjustable lengths and 3 angle adjustments for a variety of workout intensity levels. Its adjustable 180-degree ergonomic arc design gives you a full range of motion and can help back pain sufferers get a good stretch. The core spring also allows users to adjust the workout intensity.
The machine weighs less than 28 pounds, has a max weight capacity of approximately 200 pounds and is foldable for easy storage. I highly recommend this very versatile and effective exercise machine for anyone looking for a quality piece of equipment to work out your abs and much more.
#4 Wonder Core Smart Ab Shaper
If you are looking for an ab machine that is small and compact and will give you lower back support and help you do sit-ups and take the stress off your back at an affordable price then the Wonder Core Smart ab shaper may be the answer.
The Wonder Core Smart is a great ab machine to help people with week abs or have a hard time doing sit-ups.
With this spring-loaded system, you can regulate how easy or how difficult performing sit-ups will be depending on your fitness level. In this way, you can get all the assistance you need for a productive workout session.
Can’t perform pushups on your own? No problem! This machine will make it possible. Need support for bridge exercises or scissor kicks? No problem! This device will help you do exercises you couldn’t do before on your own or do more of them. This package also includes an exercise chart and DVD so you can start exercising immediately.
Assisted Sit-Ups Made Easy
You can regulate the tension individually for both the left and right sides of the ab machine using two adjustable knobs. Buy easily turning the knobs you can decide which tension you need to perform your exercises.
This device is heavily padded for comfort and only weighs around 15 pounds. The Wonder Core Smart is very compact and at 20.5 x 21.6 x 16 inches and you can easily store just about anywhere. If you are concerned about fitting into this device, the seat measures close to 18 inches across. The maximum weight capacity is approximately 250 pounds and comes fully assembled.
This is the ideal ab shaper machine for seniors, beginner-level fitness enthusiasts, or rehab candidates. If you are in any of these categories, please consult with a medical professional before using this machine or similar devices.
#5 Ab Roller by Ritfit
If you are looking for something simple, very affordable, and yet still very effective the RitFit Ab Roller will get the job done. Even if the Ab Roller does not have all the extra functions that prior machines offered, it is still very effective at targeting your abs and oblique muscles. So much so that you will almost immediately feel the burn after only a few reps.
This device makes it easy on your neck and is very well padded and easy to use. This ab shaper forces you to do the perfect movement for the perfect crunch every time. This machines main objective is not to perform sit-ups but rather help you successfully perform perfect crunches. And that it does!
Best ab machine for the perfect crunch! I speak from experience when I say this ab roller will set your abs on fire every time!
Cheap Yet Effective Roller
Trust me, I have personally used this home ab machine for many years and it is better than doing sit-ups alone. This machine will make your abs burn like no other. You can target your upper, middle, and lower abs and by changing your position even hit your obliques (side muscles).
The RitFit Ab Roller is 22.5L x 24.5W x 27H inches, only weighs about 8 lbs. It is made of durable steel and is very easy to assemble. This ab shaper also comes with workout instructions, so you can start exercising immediately. Even if the ab roller does not come with optional resistance controls, you will soon realize resistance with this device is not needed to get your abs fired up.
How to Get the Best Results from Your Sit Up Equipment
Even the best sit up equipment on the market will not guarantee user satisfaction or the best results unless it is used correctly.
let me give you some workout tips to help you make any abdominal workout machine the best possible. But first let me emphasize that before using any new home ab machine you must read all included documentation, instructions and videos included.
Besides using the sit-up equipment properly, you must also correctly perform the exercises to get the full benefits of your device. When starting a new exercise with any machine, it is important that you feel the muscles you are targeting.
You must be able to activate the muscles you are targeting and without straining any other muscles or joints while doing so.
Sit Up Equipment Workout Tips
The Importance of Slow Execution and Strict Form
My number one tip for this is to start your movements slow and be very strict with your form. You must concentrate on the muscles you are trying to activate. Pay special attention to your abs and try to relax all the other muscles.
When referring to exercises, the positive movement is where you are exerting the most amount of energy and where you are shortening the muscle to perform a crunch or squeezing effect or contraction. The negative would thus be the opposite, where you are moving back to the starting position of the exercise.
That said, while exhaling, slowly perform your positive movement. Squeeze your abs and hold for one second at the top of the movement. Then while exhaling on the negative, slowly return to the starting position. Try to repeat this action for as many reps as you can stand. If you are doing these right, at some point the burn will become so unbearable you will be forced to stop.
It’s All About How You Perform Reps and Not How Many
Try not to rest your abs at the bottom of each rep and keep the tension going throughout the entire exercise. Do not worry about how many reps you can do. You will get far better results just concentrating on getting your abs to burn. After a while, your abs will become stronger naturally and with it, your number of reps per set will also increase.
Always concentrate on the burn! The quality of your sit-ups is much more important than the number of sit-ups you perform.
Do not push yourself too hard if you are a beginner or first starting off. Just make sure you are feeling the exercises and slowly work your way up from there. The last thing you need is muscle spasms, a hernia or otherwise. So let me reemphasize to always start slow so your body can get acclimated to the machine.
Which is the Best Sit Up Machine for You?
The list of machines I have provided are all great machines to build stronger abs and get into shape. All are very effective at targeting your ab muscles and some can even be used to exercise other muscle groups.
Trust me when I say there were many more products available that I would have loved to add to this list. However, after deeper investigation and research they did not meet the criteria I expect to see in a good product. A good product is not worth buying if it does not meet the following: effectiveness, durability and construction, functionality, safety, and product support or customer service.
Why You Should Own a Sit Up Machine for Home Use?
There are various reasons for using an ab machine which will vary from person to person. These reasons will depend on your fitness goals. Maybe you want to break up the monotony of your current workout routine. Maybe you need to challenge yourself by adding more resistance or variation to your abs workout.
Or maybe you need an ab machine to help assist you due to physical limitations or injuries. Let’s take a closer look at the top three reasons you may want to add a home ab machine to your workout.
Intensity
The best ab machines offer multiple resistance levels. These can be adjusted to the desired tension for various workout intensity levels. Some come in the form of added weights, and others using springs or bands and even piston controlled resistance. Then there are others that use magnetic devices to control the intensity. But also those home ab machines designed to use your body weight and gravity as resistance.
Only the best ab machine can provide assisted exercise to help you do more reps and get faster results.
Controlling intensity will help you do more quality ab exercises and challenge your abdominals, giving you better and faster results.
By adding any form of resistance, you are challenging your muscles to work harder. This added intensity will help strengthen your ab muscles and in turn, help you create a more defined and ripped ab structure.
Variety
Some intermediate to advanced level fitness enthusiasts may get bored with the same old sit-up routine. And therefore may want to add a new dimension to their current workout routine. Not only will these home ab machines add some new life into your exercise routine, but also force your abdominals to respond better by hitting from many different angles and intensity levels.
Assistance
Some of the best ab machines for home use offer neck and back support. These provide added comfort and also help to reduce strain in those areas. Some ab machines are also built to assist those who are otherwise unable to perform a situp effectively. This can be due to age or weakness of the abdominals, or even weight issues.
For some, performing even one sit-up can be a major task. But with the assistance of an ab machine built to help make this exercise easier to perform, you have opened a whole new door to effectively train your abdominal muscles.
Highly Recommended: Even if after reading this review you do not decide to invest in an ab machine, I highly recommend you look into an abdominal situp pad, also known as a core mat. These core mats can do wonders if you’re doing situps on the floor. They not only give you a greater range and thus engage more abdominal muscles, but also aids by taking the jerking motion out of the situp. This prevents extra stress and soreness to the lower back.
What makes the Home Ab Machine So Effective?
The best abs machine is designed to directly target your abdominal muscles. Most are very effective at targeting your lower abs, mid and upper abs, as well as your oblique abdominal muscles. This gives you the opportunity to work out your abs from all angles using only one machine.
Only the best ab machines will help you create that burn you won’t typically get from ordinary sit-ups.
Sometimes, doing sit-ups alone will not generate the burn necessary to transform your ab muscles effectively. Most sit up equipment will quickly and effectively fire up your ab muscles for an intense burn and productive workout. Having the added feature to adjust intensity levels for your abdominal exercises is also an added bonus and will help generate faster results.
With a big variety of ab machines to choose from, you have the many options to find the right design for your fitness goals. From beginner to advanced user, from young to old, big or small, you will find a machine just right for your fitness needs.
Good Reasons To Own Sit Up Equipment?
If you’re wondering whether or not you need an ab machine maybe we can help you in the decision-making process. Below are some good reasons for using an ab workout machine and who it could benefit.
Better control of your ab exercises will provide more progress, quicker results, and less injury.
Up Your Game with a Home Ab Machine (All Users)
Are you tired of the same old sit-up routine every day? Maybe you are ready for something different. Something that will take you off the hard floor and will add some extra life to your ab workout routine. Or maybe you are an avid gym-goer but would still like to have that something extra at home you could use to work out your abs during downtime or while watching television. If any of these reasons hit home then maybe you are a candidate for a home ab machine.
Physical Limitations (Perfect for Seniors, Beginners, Overweight)
If positioning yourself on the floor to do sit-ups is difficult due to physical limitations or even age you may want to consider an ab machine for home. Positioning yourself on the floor requires a certain amount of flexibility, strength, and agility that not everyone has. If you fall into this category then a home ab machine may be a great exercise device to assist you.
Comfortability (Back and Neck Support)
Doing sit-ups on the floor can be very uncomfortable. And in some cases even put a strain on your back or neck. Some of the best sit up equipment is designed to prevent discomfort while performing a variety of ab exercises. In this way, you can concentrate more on working out your abs while not being distracted by discomfort or pain.
No more lying on the hard floor, no more back pain, no more neck strain.
Beginners (You Can Control the Intensity)
Many beginners may find it difficult to perform even one sit-up much less perform multiple sets. Sit-ups on a flat floor can be very difficult for many beginners. However, by choosing the right ab machine you can be doing multiple reps and sets of ab exercises from the start. Ab machines have the added benefit of letting you control and adjust the resistance to make it easier to perform a repetition or harder depending on your workout level.
Final Thoughts
Typically I add an editor’s choice for what I find to be the best home ab machine to use and add to your home gym. However, in this review, all the listed machines vary so greatly in design and functionality that throwing them into one category and choosing only one abdominal machine would be unfair.
Each machine has its own unique features and functionality. And each fulfills a purpose for all fitness levels and age demographics. Thus depending on your needs and specific goals any of these ab machines can be extremely beneficial. Therefore, I would consider them all to be great choices.
With that said, the best ab machine for home use would be the one that best fits your specific fitness level and fitness goals.
Suggested reading:
Vertical Climbing Machines for your Home to lose weight fast with high-intensity workouts.
With over 30 years of experience in strength training and fitness, Mark LaRue is the founder of Fitness Mastered, a blog to help educate fitness enthusiasts of all fitness levels, ages, and gender. We write topics that range from weight training tips and exercise routines to home workout machine and fitness related product reviews, to name a few.