Before showing you what the most beneficial core workout equipment is, I would like to talk about what is the difference between core and abs strength training because people usually mixed the two.
Your abs are part of your core. Hence, the core itself consists of more muscles. These are mainly: rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, internal and external oblique, lower back and glutes. The muscles which are between your upper and lower body.
So, when we talk about total core training, we have to do exercises or use fitness equipment that works all the parts.
People like focusing on only the rectus abdominis (and maybe the oblique) because that is the area what makes the six pack abs. With that, someone can have shredded midsection, but that does not mean he has a strong midsection as well.
The core is a critical part of the body which connects the lower and upper body. Hence, it takes place in almost every move you make.
A weak midsection can lead to poor performance in training, injuries, bad posture and other physical problems. So, strengthening it is vital for everyone.
[label type=”success”]Related:[/label] Why core strength is so necessary.
What are the best exercises for the core?
There two ways.
You can do exercises for targeting one particular area of it. For example, crunches for the upper abdominals or side bends for the external oblique. But, total targeting is impossible since the core works as a whole.
Another way is to perform compound exercises meaning all the muscles are engaged. I think it is a much better way since this method strengthens it as a whole using its natural functions.
For example, when you do hanging leg raises your core works in several ways. Your obliques control your body from moving to the sides while your lower back muscles try to keep your torso in a straight position. And when you lift your legs your abdominal muscles work. So, all the core muscles are engaged.
Anyway, both types of exercises are beneficial, but with compound moves, we can train that area more effectively and naturally.
Now let’s focus on the best core training equipment which will give you that.
Top 3 core exercise equipment for home
1. The ab wheel – Simple & Hard But Does Magic
It is a simple yet effective home workout equipment. While you roll in and out the wheel, you use your body weight as resistance. Hence, it is not easy to perform for total beginners or people being overweight.
However, that motion is a works your torso totally. During the movement, we have to use the power of the abs to roll in and out. But, we also have to control the motion, keep the balance and proper form with the help of the oblique, lower back, glutes. And, naturally, the chest, shoulders, and arms are used as well.
This cheap core workout machine provides a full upper body training.
If you want to get one, I recommend the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro since it is ergonomically designed, but [easyazon_link keywords=”ab wheel” locale=”US” tag=”freechildrboo-20″]you can choose from hundreds of products on Amazon here.[/easyazon_link]
2. Stability ball or the Bosu Ball Giving Tons of Variations
The fitness ball is a versatile piece of home gym equipment, it is particularly beneficial for strengthening your midsection.
No matter what exercise you do, since it provides an unstable base, the core muscles are activated to keep your balance. For example, when you do crunches on it, your obliques and glutes work to avoid slipping off.
[easyazon_link keywords=”fitness ball” locale=”US” tag=”freechildrboo-20″]You can get one for a few bucks here.[/easyazon_link]
The bosu ball is maybe a better option for beginners since it provides a bit more stable base for the exercises but still requires coordination.
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You can also use medicine balls to add extra resistance to your ab workouts. You can learn a lot of moves here.
3. Pull up bar for leg raises
I have already given the reasons why leg lifts are good, and you can learn more about hanging leg raises here.
But, a pull-up bar is excellent for several other bodyweight exercises. Guest what? Pull up which is said to be the king of the upper body exercises.
You can [easyazon_link keywords=”doorway pull up bar” locale=”US” tag=”freechildrboo-20″]get a doorway bar for cheap[/easyazon_link], but I prefer a standalone bar or power tower (a better captain’s chair exercise equipment) since they provide far better training experience. The power tower even comes with a vertical knee raise station which is a better option for beginners since it helps to control the motion.
No more?
Well, I do not list more core exercise equipment here because the mentioned ones are far enough and perfect for home training. They are affordable and effective better than the shiny machines in the gym.
FAQ
What are the best gym machines for core strength?
Well, the same mentioned here and compound strength training exercises like deadlift, squats, etc. I know there is a lot of types of core exercise machines in the gym, but most of them are useless, mainly because they control the motions too much. With that, they do not let the muscles of the midsection to act naturally and with that improve your balance and strength.