![Best Ab Coaster Machines For Core [Our Review]](https://ergonomicshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ab-coaster_banner_1.png "Best Ab Coaster Machines For Core [Our Review]")
If you’ve done knee ups and leg raises before, you’ll know how effective these exercises are for your core.
But you might not want to invest in a power tower to do these exercises.
A great solution is an ab coaster, which works the exact same muscles.
Actually this machine might be better because it will keep you stable and help you avoid any injuries.
In this review, I’ll introduce the original Ab Coaster and also list some other very worthy alternatives on the market.
I’ll also discuss how to use the machine to get the best results, the benefits, and much more.
Original Ab Coaster
Ab Coaster CS1500 – Original Ab Coaster
- The classic Ab Coaster, original from The Abs Company.
- Supports a more comfortable bottom-up motion with a freestyle swivel seat.
- Made with durable materials and suitable for gym use and home use.
- 2019 model comes with upgraded handles and a weight post on the front.
- 400 lbs, weight capacity.
The classic
There are many other models out there, but this is the original, from the founder company.
It is a revolutionary device that supports a variety of exercises to activate your abdominal and oblique muscles more efficiently.
You won’t be doing crunches, so it is not stressful on your back, neck, and shoulders, but it’s still quite efficient.
Using weights
You will have a weight post on the front to store your Olympic weights.
You can also make the exercise more difficult by adding the weight to the swivel seat.
Weights are not included, but the majority of beginner users won’t need them initially.
The machine does the job as long as you are persistent in the exercise.
You might struggle with the exercise at first, especially if you’re in very bad shape, but do not stop exercising, you will definitely see improvements after a while.
What we like
- An excellent exercise with adjustable levels of intensity according to the weight you put in.
- Easy on your back and neck.
What we dislike
- The exercise can be a bit challenging for beginner users.
Best Quality Coaster
The Abs Company Ab Coaster CTL - Ultimate Ab Workout
- An excellent pic for commercial fitness centers and training facilities.
- Works your abdominal muscles from the bottom up and reduces stress in your neck.
- It features a design without a track, which reduces friction and promotes a higher activation of the core muscles.
- The initial position and the movement supported by the machine reduces the hip flexor movement to focus on the abdominal muscles.
- Free swivel motion to activate the oblique muscles, too.
Frictionless resistance
This model features the same movement by the classic Ab Coaster, but without the rails, which provides frictionless resistance to the exercise. Thus improving motion, and promoting more advanced core muscle activation.
It is also very quiet and has a user weight capacity of 450 lbs. which include your weight and that of the Olympic Weight discs you use for the exercise.
High-quality
This model is made with heavy-duty steel, and the motion seat is molded with urethane.
It is definitely a promising model, made with high-quality materials, and easily movable through a pair of wheels located at the front.
What we like
- The same movement without the rails, make this machine more silent than the classic version.
- Since you’re literally hanging, it activates core muscles more profoundly.
What we dislike
- It does not have many customer reviews to evaluate the quality and actual functionality of the device.
Most Comfortable
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This ab coaster takes your body shape into consideration.
The manufacturers have put in extra effort to make users feel comfortable, tall or larger users included.
It is a unisex machine, made with steel, nylon, and foam.
The main difference from the traditional model is a wider kneeling pad, which may be of use if you’re taller or larger than the average user.
What we like
- It allows you to easily keep track of your workout through a digital display.
- It comes with a wider seat to accommodate a variety of users.
What we dislike
- It does not have many customer reviews to evaluate the quality and actual functionality of the device.
Best Value Ab Coaster
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If you go through the details, you will realize that this is almost the same as the classic Ab Coaster, but at a lower price.
It has an electronic counter, which is a useful feature if you tend to forget your repetition count, plus an adjustable height for very tall or short users.
Storage
In the product description, the manufacturers mention that it is easy to fold and store, but since there are no photos or user comments on that particular function, we can’t comment much about it.
The product goes through a manual measurement process, which is why you may find a size error of up to 0.8 cm or 0.3 inches.
However, they do offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you experience quality issues and have 24-hour customer service accessible if you have any questions.
What we like
- It offers the same function with a lower investment.
- It has a digital display to keep track of your workouts.
What we dislike
- No image, product description or user comment makes reference to added weight. Thus, it is limited to a bodyweight exercise.
- It does not have many customer reviews to evaluate the quality and actual functionality of the device.
Most Versatile
Ab Crunch Coaster Detachable Sit-Up Bench
- Designed for whole-body exercises, supporting muscle-building and toning exercises.
- Maximum weight of 330 lbs. with heavy-duty construction.
- It features a detachable sit up bench, allowing for a wide variety of exercises.
- 7 adjustable heights.
- Guaranteed satisfaction, with an exchange allowed or 100% money back.
All-in-one
This is a very interesting pick if you want a piece of all-in-one equipment. You will have a sit-up bench and your ab coaster machine at the same time.
All you’ll need to do is take out the detachable sit-up bench to continue your routine with some ab coaster exercises.
Manufacturers guarantee
It is made by the same manufacturers as the previous item, which mentions it is easy to fold and store, but again, there are no user comments and photos about this particular function.
The product goes through a manual measurement process, which is why you may find a size error of up to 0.8 cm or 0.3 inches.
However, just like with the previous product, this company offers a 100% money-back guarantee if there’s a quality issue, with a 24-hour customer service team available if you have any questions.
What we like
- It is a versatile sit up bench and ab roller machine.
- You get a money-back guarantee, and the price is accessible.
What we dislike
- It does not have many customer reviews to evaluate the quality and actual functionality of the device.
How It Works
As you may have noticed above, the ab coaster machine has a curved track and a seat where you can rest your knees.
After kneeling and resting your elbows on the deck, you can make the bottom-up movement by lifting your knees upward to your chest.
There are usually handles you can hold on to, and they are important in the final part of the movement, just before your knees slide back to the initial position.
This movement engages your abdominal muscles, and you can also activate the oblique muscles by using the adjustable seat to lift your knees sideways.
Does It Work?
Ab Coaster machines are very popular in gyms because they do the job and help you build core strength exactly as knee-ups and crunches do, but with extra weight, if you need it.
The movement is more precise, it doesn’t require hip flexor activation, and it is easier on your neck and back muscles.
The curved track allows for an intuitive movement that improves your technique and increases your gains.
It is not specifically designed for weight loss, but you could actually get a firm abdomen if you combine with aerobic exercise and a low-calorie diet.
Other Recommended Coasters
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This is a simplified version of the traditional Ab Coaster featuring a folding mode that only takes 3 seconds.
It is made with high-quality steel and has a maximum weight capacity of 550 lbs. The only downside is the swivel seat, which doesn’t look very comfortable.
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Made from steel bearings and molded foam, this machine is similar to others reviewed above and you can add extra weight on the sides of the swivel seat.
It has a LED display and has a maximum capacity of 353 lbs.
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This Ab Coaster Machine makes me think about my stationary bicycle, maybe because the handles and the digital display are arranged in a similar fashion.
It does look sturdy and compact because it’s meant to be domestic fitness equipment, with a maximum weight capacity of 440 lbs.
Ab Trainers Home Abdominal Coaster Fitness Equipment
This ab trainer may look fragile, but it’s not. The maximum weight capacity is 290 lbs, and it is made to withstand more than 100,000 repetitions.
It has an electronic counter to track your exercise, and it is versatile, supporting various modalities and exercises.
Ab Coaster Alternatives
Building your core is much more than your abdominal muscles. Other muscles involved in your upright posture and balance should be targeted as well.
That’s why we recommend different exercises to build core muscles instead of only one.
The good news is that you can use bodyweight exercises, or consider trying one of the following Ab Coaster alternatives:
Ab Machines
Ab machines are the perfect substitute for abdominal crunches. They make the movement easier and more comfortable.
Actually, ab coasters count as ab machines, but there are other models and designs you can also look at. We have a complete list you can check out any time.
Balance Boards
These balance boards are the ultimate way to challenge your balance and activate your core muscles.
They can be a bit hard to get used to, especially if you’ve never practiced snowboarding, surf, and similar sports. But they do the trick and engage not one but all the major core muscles at the same time.
Sit-Up Benches
These sit-up benches are a versatile and very useful to strengthen the core muscles and the upper body.
They also support dumbbell exercises, and some of them have interesting functions which we have reviewed thoroughly in a separate article.
Power Tower Machines
Upper body strength is the number one fitness priority of anyone buying a power tower.
They support knee-ups, but also have a dip station and pull-up handles. You can also find other handles for push-ups and other exercises.
Rowing Machines
Rowing machines are the best piece of equipment if you want a strong back.
If they feature a mobile cushion, the movement will engage your core and lower extremities as well.
Rowing is a very expensive sport, but these rowing machines make it easier for you to reap its benefits, without actually leaving your home.
Should You Buy It?
Ab Coaster machines are a must-have for any gym or fitness center.
They are very effective in building core muscles but can sometimes be too challenging for the absolute beginner.
If you have no problems with regular crunches, you will be fine with one of these, and after a few weeks, you will notice an increase in the muscle tone and firmness of your abdominal muscles.
