What to know: Make sure youre not arching your back to lift your legs, and avoid using momentum to raise them. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. To narrow down the best ab machines, we purchased 19 pieces of equipment to evaluate in The Verywell Testing Lab. Over the course of 16 hours, nine testers completed a variety of exercises with the products and rated them on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend), based on unboxing (initial impressions), assembly, ease of use, quality and comfort, portability, versatility, and value. Epitomie Fitness Active Balance Exercise Ball, Best Half Ball: You can even use your obliques to twist the foot-and-knee plate to challenge your side abs instead. As a matter of fact, they can put your body into unnatural positions and take your joints through dangerous ranges of motion. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Consider where you are in your fitness journey, and select a piece of equipment that meets you there. If the Planet Fitness Equipment doesnt fit well with your fitness goal, check out our list of cheap gym memberships with free trials to find a place that suits your exercise goals. Why its worth it: Like the lat pull-down or the cable biceps bar, you can switch the grip hereusing a straight bar, V-bar, or even a ropeto help keep this move varied. Made up of type one muscle fibers, your abs are built for endurance, Gary says. The surface is slightly textured, so it was grippy enough to prevent slipping, even when our tester used it with wet hands and legs. Lauren is a freelance writer and editor, an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer, and the Fitness & Wellness Editor of Womens Health. No, Planet Fitness doesnt have swimming pools at any of its over 2,000 locations. And Other Cryptos, 325+ Stores That Accept Afterpay Near Me Target?, How to Make Money by Starting a Company? Planet Fitness is a great place to start or continue your fitness goals. We then performed the same exercise circuit to determine whether the machines grip, traction, or performance was affected by the moisture. The wheels are also very lightweight and could easily be carried in a gym bag, which earned them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for portability. We found this exercise to be very effective at working both the upper and lower abs without putting any strain on the neck or back. 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Because the machine relies on a simple sliding motion, its incredibly straightforward to use, earning it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use. The Planet Fitness equipment list consists of machines for the core, arms, shoulders, legs, cardio, and weights to help you build muscles and strengthen bones. During our test, the set-up was very straightforward, and the included pump worked very efficiently to inflate the ball. Make sure to select a more portable option. 4.0 to 4.5 stars:We think these are great ab machines, but others are better. Bang Tong & Li Power Tower, Best Exercise Ball: The ball also comes with a helpful workout guide that offers sample exercises to try. Ask the instructor to show you around to see all the machines available at that specific location. I also like that it's very sturdy and comfortable to use. Indulging in physical exercises is a great way to restore your mental and physical strength. I also feel that it is fairly versatile as you can do various ab exercises with it, but also exercises for other body partslike push-ups and pull-ups. A simple yet effective addition to any home gym, this Aduro Sport Doorway Sit-up Exercise Bar allows you to better isolate your abs during sit-ups and crunches, while keeping your feet firmly in place. Planet Fitness equipment consists of machines like AB crunch machine, mountain climber, torso rotation machine, seated machine crunches, and others to strengthen your core muscles. The bench can be adjusted to 12 different decline settings, and its particularly effective for exercises such as decline sit-ups, bicycle crunches, and Russian twists. Unlike some of the other products we tested, it also didnt come with an exercise guide, which can be especially useful for beginners. It took me less than five minutes to fully blow up the ball, and I didn't have any trouble blowing it up at all. When it comes to picking ab machines, choose one "that lets you train in multiple planes of motion, not just up and down like crunches, Parker Oliver, CFSC, certified functional strength coach and chief operating officer of BRX Performance, says. Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching. "I really enjoyed using this machine. Before Planet, I felt uncomfortable with my body, now I have an appreciation for looking after myself. Slowly lower back down. It will help you build strength in your upper body and core, and you can modify your ab roller workouts to be as challenging as you want them to be. It's on our list of best ab machines because its great for balance, stability, and traditional ab exercises. In addition, all members get free access to lockers, showers, changing rooms, and free small group classes at some locations. The ab machine supports up to 300 pounds, and our testers found it to be very sturdy while using it. Whether you hit the gym two days per week or five, Gary believes that abs should be a part of every workout. If people use this with correct technique, it can help you move toward squats off the machine, Munro says. How to: Start kneeling facing a cable machine. We think Tristar Products Ab Coaster MAX is a great pick for anyone who loves working out on a full-blown machine. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. As for those already working on sculpting a six-pack, machine assistance can make your core-focused workout a little more challenging and a lot more fun. Our tester noted that the foam handles molded to her hand shape and was a more comfortable alternative to hard plastic handles. That's one rep. Fitness and health experts recommend 30 minutes of physical exercise per day. The 5 Best Abs-Sculpting Machines At The Gym. What youre working: chest, biceps, triceps However, I actually liked it more because I use balance balls for stability exercises more than strength training. If youre looking to challenge your upper body and back, in addition to your core, you cant go wrong with a power tower like the Bang Tong & Li Power Tower. Keeping shoulders over wrists and a flat back, engage core to drive knees in towards chest. A machine that works the entire corewhich includes the rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, and internal and external obliquesis necessary no matter your fitness level, Shelby Morrison, certified personal trainer and owner of ShelbyFit, says. Overall, I think it would be a great ab trainer addition to a home gym. Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Senior Commerce Editor, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester, Need a pull-up bar, tower, or something to hang from. Doing basic exercises with a machine can help beginners become strong enough to do bodyweight exercises correctly on their own.. With hands across chest and a neutral spine, engage core to slowly lower back until entire body forms one long horizontal line. 4.5 to 4.7 stars:These ab machines are excellentthey might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. The sure-fire way to get an accurate Planet Fitness workout equipment list is to call or visit your nearby gym. Everyone I see at Planet Fitness makes me try harder, go longer, and push on. The 30-Minute Express Circuit Workout uses cardio-step stations and ten strength machines that work the whole body over 30 minutes. Because its decline level is adjustable to various degrees, we found that it can be used for all levels of fitnesssimply increase the decline if you want to make ab exercises like decline sit-ups more challenging, or decrease the decline to take a load off. The included resistance bands add to the balls versatility, allowing you to do upper body exercises (like curls and presses) in addition to ab exercises. Then, slip your feet under it and use it to anchor your feet during a variety of ab exercises. Planet Fitness equipment for cardio includes treadmills, stair masters, stationary bikes, recumbent bikes, rowing machines, ARC trainers, and more. While some towers are complicated to assemble and use, we found this one to be simple and straightforward, giving it a 4 out of 5 for assemblya good score for a product of this size. We liked that the half ball can be used in two waysuse it with the flat part on the floor for more beginner-friendly balance and core exercises (like sit-ups), or flip the flat part to the ceiling to increase the stability challenge, and use it for exercises like stability ball planks andpush-ups. The difference for me is the amazing staff and instructors. For only $10 a month, you access all these Planet Fitness equipment and get free fitness trainers to help you stay fit. In addition, most of the Planet Fitness workout facilities are located in a shopping mall which makes it hard to install an inground pool. The sliders are dual-sided, so they can work on just about any surface. If you do, make sure you adjust your weight and check your form, says Gargano. Planet Fitness operates over 2,030 fitness centers throughout the United States. Made with high-quality PVC material, our tester found that the ball felt very durable and smooth against her skin, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for feel and comfort. Ab machines are great because they make targeting your abs easier. Due to its unique shape, pumping up the half ball wasnt as simple as pumping up the traditional exercise balls we tested. Keep a neutral spine as much as possible., Why Marvel's Karen Gillan Embraces Her Anxiety, Your New Must-Try: Sauted Dandelion Toast, The Only Marathon Training Plan You'll Ever Need, Your June Horoscope: Communication Clarity. If the product came with any accessories (like resistance bands), we also tested those for quality and performance. Lets be clear: Not all machines are created equal. Bring a personal check when joining the gym so they can get your routing number to make monthly electronic fund transfers. And Aduros Sport Doorway Exercise Bar is a small space-friendly choice for users of all levels who are looking to upgrade their sit-ups. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. How to: Begin at the back of the machine, facing away from the console. Maintain control and feel the burn, Gargano says. To start building every muscle of your midsection, try the five abs machine exercises below the next time youre at the gym. Although we didnt find this pick to be as versatile as some other ab equipment when it comes to working out your abs specificallywhich is why we gave it a 4 out of 5 for versatilitytheyre still ideal for moves likemountain climbers,planks, body saws, and knee tucks. The 10 Best Ab Machines of 2022, Recommended and Tested by Experts in Our Lab. A post shared by Melissa Whiting (@fit_lil_mel). The availability of different machines may vary from gym location to location. Our tester did note that downloading the guide was a bit tedious but worth the effort for the included full-body exercise instructions. For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More perks such as hydromassage beds, tanning beds & booths, group classes, massage chairs, filtered water stations, and discounts are available with the Black Card Membership for a small additional monthly fee. Based in New Hampshire, Planet Fitness equipment brands itself as a judgment-free zone that aims to provide a workout environment where everyone can be comfortable. Learn more about how to use a rowing machine and get an easy workout here. Our tester found the ergonomic reinforced-steel, foam-covered ankle bar to be durable and comfortable, allowing for good control and traction while she performed exercises. With over 2,000 affordable gyms throughout the US, go to the website and request a free pass at your local Planet Fitness. They're not the most versatile pick when it comes to ab exercises specifically, but great if you enjoy making basic ab exercises harder. The fitness clubs offer two types of membership with affordable monthly payments for you to choose from, including: Many Planet Fitness gyms only accept monthly payments using a checking account. This ab machine is great for advanced users. How to: Step or jump up to grasp pullup handles on a cable machine, the high bar of a power rack, or the bar of a pullup machine. With control, lift torso back up to starting position. Its true that if youre using free weights you have to recruit so many stabilizing muscles, says Shannon Fable, But when youre getting started, using selectorized equipment (the machines with weighted plates) and just learning the movement pattern is OK.. To maximize the effectiveness of all these machines, free fitness trainers are on standby at every Planet Fitness center to show you how to use the equipment. XMark Fitness Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench, Best Power Tower: Likewise, if you love cardio, opt for an ab machine that will encourage a more active workoutlike a power tower. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best In addition, youll find barbells and dumbbells up to 75 pounds each, plus a bench press, triceps extension, and deadlifts to reduce muscle injuries and enhance stability. When building a program for a client, I generally include one or two exercises, Gary says. That's one rep. What to know: Start with a 30- to 45- degree angle on the bench until youre strong and comfortable enough to take it up another level. What youre working: total body, particularly the posterior chain, and building cardio endurance Our tester found the foam-covered handles easy and comfortable to grip, even with wet hands. Physical exercise is part and parcel of the financial independence journey and building a successful career. A machine is also helpful in amplifying the workout, so you can continue to strengthen that core effectively, Gargano adds. For those who have been on a gym hiatus or are gaining back strength post-injury, weight machines are an easy way to get back in the gamewithout the risk of dropping anything heavy on your foot, Munro says. The cable here helps force you to do that. While our tester was impressed with how much keeping your feet anchored with this tool increased the burn during sit-ups and crunches, she found that it wasnt very useful for other exercises, which is why we gave it a 3 out of 5 for versatility. You get all this for only $10 a month! Made of a heavy-duty steel frame, its very sturdy and durable, which is why we gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for quality and comfort. The biggest thing to know with this machine is that form is everything, so dont make the incline more challenging until you have confidently conquered a lower incline first., A post shared by Fitness Mn (@fitnessmoen.dk). Tristar Products Ab Coaster MAX, Best Sit-up Foot Anchor: Although the bench can be adjusted to multiple decline angles, our tester noted that it cant be made completely flat, so it cant be used as a traditional weightlifting bench for exercises like the dumbbell chest press. During our test, we found this Sportneer half ball to be well-made and durable, thanks to its thick, anti-burst material and non-slip platform base. If you're new to exercise, it can be tough to know when you're actually engaging your core, which can sometimes lead to lower back pain, says Angela Gargano, CPT, a personal trainer at Performix House in New York City. For this move, its not necessarily better to increase the weight of the machine a ton; you want it to be challenging, but not so difficult that you cant maintain control, she says. Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest adventures, workouts, destinations, and more. 3.4 and below:We don't recommend ab machines with this rating; you won't find any on our list. For intermediate and advanced exercisers looking to take their core workouts to the next level, the SKLZ Core Wheels can help you get more out of your planks, push-ups, and other exercises. Always make sure to inhale and then do a big exhale while you engage your core to get the most out of each exercise.. It comes with very clear instructions, and we found the set-up to be very easy, with no tools required. Maia Magill, Verywell Fit product tester. Feel free to spring for a big machine. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. If you want to challenge your core with more than two exercises, Gary recommends adding an additional one or two movements at the very end of your workout. The XMark Fitness Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench will make a solid addition to any home gym. 3.5 to 3.9 stars:These ab machines are just average. Planet Fitness has the most common equipment needed to give you a complete workout. Tristar Products Ab Coaster MAX at Amazon, Aduro Sport Doorway Exercise Bar at Amazon, XMark Fitness Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench at Amazon, Epitomie Fitness Active Balance Exercise Ball at Amazon, Best Ab Coaster: Doing an ab rolloutis definitely not a beginner move, so while the roller is a very simple piece of equipment, its recommended for intermediate or advanced exercisers. If you want to get stronger and continuously challenge your entire core including your stomach, back, glutes, and pelvic floor musclesplanks are the way to go, says Kelvin Gary, NASM-CPT, the owner of Body Space Fitness in Manhattan. What youre working: triceps We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Heres a list of the additional Black Card perks, whats included, and our thoughts on each: If you plan to use the first six Planet Fitness Black Card perks, youll come out ahead, and its worth the additional membership cost. From here, engage core and exhale to lift both knees up towards chest. As with all of these movements, youll get the most out of it when you slowly raise and lower the weight. Some ab machines are bulky, while others are decidedly small and space-friendly. For more information please read our, this can lead to muscle strain and even serious injuries. Instead, Planet Fitness maintains an affordable membership by maximizing the square footage of each facility with workout equipment and amenities that require a small footprint. Then, once that becomes easy, you can challenge yourself by lifting one foot at a time off the ground and alternating back and forth. Do you like working out on the go? That's one rep. What to know: Gym-goers typically use this machine for building their lower back, butt, and hamstrings, but you can also get a great abs workout when you do situps on it, says Noam Tamir, CSCS, founder of TS Fitness. Although it takes up a lot more space than some other ab equipment we tested, the built-in wheels allow it to be easily moved and stored away when necessary. Whats the CVS Cash Back Limit? If you want to take the ball on the road, its relatively easy to deflate, which is why we gave it a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for portability. What to know: There are so many exercises you can do [with a cable machine] that help work those core muscles, says Gargano. Though you wont find swimming pools and basketball courts, for less than $20 a month, youll get access to more perks at Planet Fitness with the Black Card Membership. To get started, simply slide the bar under a door and tighten the clamp to secure it in place. [Ultimate Guide], Does CVS Give Cash Back? Crafted from heavy-duty steel, the tower boasts a weight capacity of 330 pounds and has six adjustable heights, from 74.8 to 82.68 inches. A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. Its one of the cheapest gym memberships. Instead, move nice and slow. Throughout our test, the sturdy piece of equipment proved to work well for both exercises that specifically target the core, likevertical knee raises, and also for upper body moves likepull-ups, dips, elevatedpush-ups, and reverse chin-ups. If youre looking for simple but versatile equipment for a home gym, these wheels are a solid choice. Youll get a personal trainer at Planet Fitness for free with your membership. So to make the most of your next sweat session, avoid these nine machines, and instead use the alternative exercises shown in each slide for safer, more effective training. Use the grippy foam side when dealing with smoother floors, and flip to the plastic side on carpets. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. The Planet Fitness gyms are also equipped with weights and Smith Machines to help you build muscles, burn body fat, and strengthen your bones. Then, extend legs back out straight to return to plank position. 6 Helpful Tips. However, we found the included knee mat to be fairly thin and flimsy, so you may want to use a different mat at home for better knee protection. Is the Planet Fitness Black Card Worth It? All the guys at Planet Fitness have been a great beacon of positivity. A post shared by Stevie Nicola | Online Coach (@stevienicola3). The tower also comes with a manual that has instructions and photos for exercises you can do with it. 5 Best Kayaks Under $200 Cheap Fishing Kayak for Large Person, 5 Best Low Light Night Ski Goggles (for Under $100), What Happens When Your Debit Card Expires? I just wish you could make the bench flat for even more versatility. Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Senior Commerce Editor, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester. We purchased 19 ab machines to evaluate in The Verywell Testing Lab. Portable equipment was tested on various surfaceson a mat, hardwood, and carpetto determine whether they could be used on multiple surfaces. Its got the upper body and lower body aspect of resistance training and will help balance the whole hunch-forward-from-sitting-at-computers, Munro adds. What youre working: quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves Planet Fitness offers much more than unlimited access to your home club, free Wi-Fi, and free fitness training with a Classic membership. Targets: rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis. Mallory Creveling, an ACE-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified run coach, joined the Runner's World and Bicycling team in August 2021. I love the support I have been given at Planet Fitness, I have found a new self confidence. productslearn more about I would recommend this to friends with an intermediate to advanced fitness level. Dana Ingemann, Verywell Fit product tester. Why its worth it: This is easy to operate and a great way to work your abs by propping up on your forearms and simply liftingnot swingingyour legs up, Mariotti says. Ready to get started? Based on our testing, these are the best ab machines on the market. What youre working: core, hip flexors These core wheels have a simple design and concept, but their ease of use depends on your existing core strength. A workout gym can have several tanning beds, hydromassage beds, and massage chairs in the same space a single basketball would require. I love that you can add extra weights on the seat to make the workout even more challenging!" For example, an ab roller is very small yet very effective!. "This ball is entirely different from most since it has a half-sphere shape instead of a full sphere. You shouldnt! Press hips up off heels, then engage core to crunch torso straight down towards floor, keeping hip and lower body still. My name is Chris and I live in the suburbs of Chicago. Why trust us? How to: Place feet between the rounded footpads and begin sitting tall on top of the big rounded cushion. This bench is great for users of all levels, but especially for advanced users, because it can be adjusted to make exercises easier or more difficult. Just keep in mind that you should never feel these exercises in your back. Targets: rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, obliques. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Simply attach these straps to a pull-up bar or power tower, use them to support your elbows, and seamlessly perform exercises like hanging leg raises or side leg raises. Affordable, efficient, and quiet, ab rollers can be a convenient and effective addition to a home gym. Ive also tested a bunch of resistance bands and found that the ones included with the Sportneer ball are both durable and easy to use."