Having a strong core is proven to improve posture, stability, and even eliminate back pain.
Not to mention also giving you toned and chiseled abs.
And with so much advanced home workout equipment on the market, there’s really no reason to start developing a strong core.
If you’re motivated to get into shape, here is my list of recommended equipment for core strength.
Take your time to go through the products, I’m sure you’ll find something that suits your needs.
In this list you’ll find equipment for beginners, athletes, people recovering from injuries, have chronic back pain, and more.
Ab Machines
Ab machines are the ultimate way to polish your abdominal muscles and should be combined with a careful diet for better results.
These machines are designed to make crunches much more comfortable, and target areas of the abdominal muscle you won’t likely target in regular exercises.
My Favorite Ab Machine
AB Doer 360- Ab Workout Machine
This is probably the most revolutionary ab machine there is. It allows you to perform your ab exercises while sitting comfortably plus it comes with an instructional DVD. Moreover, getting used to the exercise is not difficult at all.
If space is limited at home, this one fits almost everywhere, taking the space of a regular chair or a bit more if you consider the handles.
The assembling of the AB Doer 360 is effortless and quick because it is not an intricate machine.
Yet, it delivers an excellent workout, allowing for 360º rotations to strengthen the core and increase your flexibility.
It is a safe option for people with mobility issues, giving them the ability to recover their core strength after trauma.
The downside to this one is that some users consider the resistance it offers too low for athletes or people who want to go beyond. Sometimes they complain it can be a bit hard on the back, especially when trying excessive backward extensions.
Second Best Ab Machine
Core Max Smart Abs and Total Body Workout
Anyone with 8 spare minutes a day can use the Core Max Smart Abs machine, not only for core strength but to work out other muscles as well.
As simple as it looks, the Core Max is designed to allow for different upper body exercises.
It comes with recommended downloads of instructing videos and an exercise guide to facilitate the whole process.
You don’t need to figure it out by yourself and don’t even need to worry about assembly. All you need to do is add your hard work and dedication.
According to users, this machine is very comfortable and stable. It provides three resistance levels, and it is very compact, perfect for those who don’t have much space available at home.
You can carry it around with you in your car if you’re traveling locally. However, it might be a bit heavy for your checked baggage when traveling abroad.
Balance Boards
The primary function of core muscles is to maintain your balance and provide support to your movements.
If you make balance a bit more challenging, you will be strengthening and training your core to perform an adequate function.
This is precisely why balance boards are extremely useful as a part of your core strengthening routine.
Best Balance Board
URBNFit Wooden Balance Board Trainer
Most balance boards are specially designed to build your balance and improve your agility in sports such as snowboarding, skateboarding, skiing, and surfing.
However, this wooden balance board is made to improve your body control, even if you’re not a sportsperson.
It is made with durable materials and includes a non-slip emery grip to prevent accidents.
If you’ve never had a balance board before, this one comes with a quick start guide as well as a paper and digital workout guide
It may take some time to get used to it, and you’d probably need to use a yoga mat or something to prevent scratching on your floor.
But the hours of exercise and fun it will provide to people all ages are surely worth the effort and the price.
Vibration Platform Machines
If balance boards are not your thing, and you’re rather looking for a high-tech alternative, maybe what you need is a vibration platform.
This is a relatively new concept on core-strengthening devices and recreates the type of challenge you get on balance boards.
This time, various degrees of vibration will shake your ground and put your agility and balance to the test.
As such, it is an excellent complement to get the best out of your bodyweight exercise routine.
My Favorite Platform Machine
LifePro Waver Vibration Plate Exercise Machine
This particular vibration platform has up to 99-speed settings to personalize your workouts according to your experience with this new technology.
It is designed to be user-friendly but comes with a user manual, so you won’t find it hard to understand.
You will also have instant access to free workout videos where you can find plenty of ideas, instructions, and example exercises for various purposes.
One of the best things about this machine is how responsive the seller is, and the lifetime guarantee provided along with your purchase.
Purchasing this machine not only gives you the opportunity to improve your core strength but also to increase your bone density and blood circulation if you suffer from a chronic disease.
Vertical Crunch Machines
Many of us stopped feeling excitement about crunches back in the one-hundredth repetition, many years ago.
Now, one set is enough to quit and start looking after more urgent matters.
One way to regain interest in crunches or to start strengthening your core with an appropriate technique is to invest in a vertical crunch machine that is designed to tackle your upper and lower abs seamlessly.
This is a great machine to have if you have the available space at home.
My favorite Crunch Machine
Weider Power Tower
This multi-workout station has everything you need for your vertical crunches. The padded grips, armrests, and cushions make it comfortable to do your hanging leg raises.
Plus, it has enough room if you want to include a twist to activate your transverse muscles. Moreover, you will have a very complete station for your core and upper-body exercises.
The only bad thing about this item is that many users complain about shipping problems and missing parts. Still, the problem can be solved with customer service in a few weeks.
Once assembled, this is an excellent and durable add-on for any home gym with the available space.
Roman Chairs
Core strengthening goes beyond the abdominal muscles. It includes many other muscles that provide support to the movements and balance of the body.
One example is the lower back, and one of the best ways to train the lower back at home is through Roman Chairs.
Roman chairs are made to support your body as you extend your torso against gravity.
They activate the lower back, but also your hamstrings, glutes, and your abdominal area as a secondary muscle group.
Best Roman Chair For Abs
Fitness Reality X-Class Multi-Workout
If you’re building your own gym at home, you might prefer equipment that allows for multiple workouts instead of a single exercise you will use twice a week.
That’s why I’m recommending this decline bench.
You can, of course, use it as a roman chair, but it is also suitable to do your decline abdominals or use it as a flat bench for dumbbell exercises.
It is stable, highly customizable, and versatile, but might be a bit large if you have reduced space at home.
Portable Home Gym
If you’re always on-the-go and have no idea where you’re going to spend the night over, this is the best way to carry your gym with you at all times.
Portable gyms are designed to give you all you need to complete your exercise routine wherever you go.
They usually have resistance bands, straps, bars, and all you need for your upper and lower-body routines.
Add-ons designed for core exercises are included as well.
Best Home Gym Workout
BodyBoss 2.0 - Full Portable Home Gym Workout
This one is perfect if you don’t have any space at all, but need something to spice up your home exercise routine.
Instead of bulky pieces of equipment, you will have a non-slip base to adjust a wide variety of resistance bands.
Then, you can attach them to handles, a collapsable workout bar, and more.
The product comes with a Start-Up Workout Program to teach you basic exercises and how to customize your resistance. You can perform upper and lower-body exercises, as well as core exercises with this platform.
However, keep in mind that you may want to buy extra bands and other accessories to make your workout more intense or varied.
Chin-Up Bars
These bars are not for beginners, and if you’re looking for one of them, you probably have some experience in fitness and exercise.
There are many models, some of them can be attached to door frames, and come with a variety of handles to choose from.
They are excellent for upper-body exercises and may be used to strengthen your core with hanging leg raises and other types of abdominal exercises.
My Favorite Chin Up Bar
Ultimate Body Press Joist Mount Pull Up Bar
This particular chin-up bar may not look fancy and sophisticated like others. Still, it does the job and provides stability and durability. It is also an excellent pick if you don’t have much space available at home.
If you’re interested in core strengthening exercises, this one is for you. It has anchors designed for Ab Straps to facilitate your hanging knee raises which you will need to buy separately.
The assembly can be a bit challenging, but if you get it right and don’t frustrate, you get a sturdy and very stable product, manufactured with excellent materials.
Plank Machine
Planks are the ultimate workout to strengthen your core muscles. Still, they tend to be challenging, and some of us feel somewhat reluctant to include them in the workout schedule.
Plank machines are designed to facilitate the whole process and make planks more challenging and fun.
My Favorite Plank Machine
Stealth Core Trainer Plankster
This machine will revolutionize the way you see planks. Instead of doing boring exercises, you will actually be playing games while doing your planks.
It comes with comfortable arm pads, and the base is attached to a 360º fluidity sphere that allows for movements in all directions.
You can fit your smartphone in the platform and download the 2 free app games included in your purchase, controlling them with your movements. No assembly required.
Rowing Machines
Rowing is one of the most complete and challenging sports, and rowing machines are designed to recreate the whole thing without the splash and trouble.
They are excellent for your core and back muscles and sometimes have a mobile seat to recreate the rowing movement more accurately.
The Best Rowing Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness Water Rowing Machine
This particular model is very catchy and exciting. Not only does it have a mobile seat but it also features water resistance to recreate the whole rowing experience.
This rowing machine is very stable and comfortable, allowing for up to 300 lbs. maximum weight.
It can be stored upright when it is not used and has a fitness meter with a digital display to track your progress.
It works smoothly and is very quiet. It’s not totally silent, but does the work and hits target muscles while recreating an actual rowing competition.
Vertical Knee Raises
Knee raises are an alternative way to do your abdominal crunches. They are especially useful if you have abdominal fat and cannot perform the crunch movement correctly.
If that’s your case, just hang in a comfortable position and raise your knees. It’s a great way to build your core, even if you have no experience at the gym.
Best Knee Raise Machine
Body Max VKR1010 Fitness Multi-Function Power Tower
This is another excellent option if you’re looking for a multi-workout station.
You will rest comfortably with the armrest and cushions, and perform your knee raises. You will also have room for other upper-body exercises, such as chin-ups, pull-ups, and dips.
The only bad thing about this item is that some users report it wobbles a bit, and it is not heavy duty.
Still, it is functional and useful if you are planning to have a gym at home, and the assembly is not complicated.
