Having a strong core leads to total body strength, power, and athleticism. And it also slashes your risk of injury. And implementing the use of an ab roller into your fitness routine can help you achieve a rock-solid core.
To clairfy: the major muscles of your core include your transverse abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, erector spinae, diaphragm, pelvic floor muscles, and (of course) your abs, the rectus abdominis. Your minor core muscles include your lats, traps, and (to the surprise of many people) your glutes, according to Trevor Thieme, C.S.C.S.
And using an ab wheel is going to hit all of that.
“The ab wheel gives you a chance to train your entire core (abs, glutes, lower back muscles, and obliques) as a unit,” Brett Williams, NASM-CPT certified trainer, writes for Men’s Health.
The best thing about the ab wheel? It allows you to train something called “anti-extension.”
“Your core, as a unit, is responsible for a quintet of key actions. It helps rotate your torso (as you do during Russian twists),” Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., says. “It resists rotation, an idea called “anti-rotation,” which you fight during Pallof holds. It also braces your spine (think: planks and hollow holds), and it flexes your spine, too (as it does during classic situps.”
Looking to try out an ab roller? Here are 7 of the best options.
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller
This ultra-wide ab roller has built-in resistance and ergonomic handles to help maximize the results of your ab roll-out exercises. It also has an interior kinetic engine that uses a carbon steel spring to provide extra resistance. And an added bonus: it comes with a foam-padded knee pad to protect your knees.
SKLZ Core Wheels Dynamic Strength and Ab Trainer Roller Set
This set of ab rollers is different than your traditional one-wheel roller. These rollers can help enhance traditional plank and push-up exercises, and help you build strong shoulders and core. Each roller has a foam handle and smooth rolling wheel to help you hit different angles.
Amazon Basics Dual Ab Wheel
This Amazon Basics ab wheel is the perfect no-nonsense option. It has two wheels for a smooth roll and sturdy handles. It also comes with a small foldable foam kneepad that you can place under your knees while using the wheel.
EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel 6-in-1 Kit
This EnterSports kit has everything: besides an ab roller, it also includes a knee pad, resistance bands, and padded pushup bar handle grips. The stainless steel ab roller has handles are wide for extra stability, and attach to the resistance bands for more challenge.
Vinsguir Ab Roller
The Vinsguir ab roller is made of stainless steel and has an extra wide that can hold a total 440 pounds of weight. It comes with a free knee pad to protect your knees. Plus, this ab roller has over 9,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.5 star average…which speaks for itself.
Integlobe 4-Wheel Ab Roller
If you’re looking for extra stability, this 4-wheel ab roller from Integlobe is for you. It has two front and 2 back wheels with steel tube handles to keep you steady and supported as you use it.
MKHS Ultra-Wide Ab Roller Wheel
This 7″ ab roller has anti-slip treat that will ensure you have extra balance and stability as you roll. It also has ergonomic no-slip handles that are curved for a great grip.
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