11 best ab rollers for a full core workout in the gym or at-home
At long last gyms have reopened - and when more lockdown Coronavirus restrictions are eased, classes are set to resume from 17 May, too. We don’t know about you, but we cannot wait to get back onto a spinning bike, blast our favourite tunes and work up a sweat.
Being in lockdown for months on end has undoubtedly impacted our fitness. Whether you’ve struggled to find the motivation to work out, lack the space or have tried every indoor workout to no avail, chances are your workout goals have changed. But one area we’re still keen to put through its paces is our core, and in a bid to train our abdominal muscles and feel stronger and fitter, we’re looking to the trusty ab roller.
GLAMOUR has chatted to two fitness pros to find out exactly how to use them, what to look for and the results they can make.
What does an ab roller do? Are ab rollers any good?
Lucie Cowan, Master Trainer at Third Space, one of the best gyms in London FYI, explains that an ab roller/wheel performs an abdominal rollout, which she describes as one of the best core stability exercises you can do.
“If you want a stronger core, without access to heavy weights, dust off that ab roller. The abdominal rollout is an excellent way to train your core in anti-extension (aka strengthens the lower spine), which is, in my opinion, the most important type of core training, especially for those spending all day at a desk or home working. This is the simple answer to the vast majority of my clients who come to me experiencing lower back pain," she explained, adding, "what’s more, the movement when performed correctly, works pretty much your entire core, including your obliques, glutes, and abdominals in one roll." Sounds like a no-brainer to us, here's what to look for when shopping for one.
What makes a good ab roller?
Cowan recommends considering a few factors before parting with your credit card. Most importantly, handle grip. “Most ab rollers use foam handles to offer something softer and are more comfortable to grip. Look for textured or contoured handles that can be gripped more naturally and something grippy for when your hands are sweaty,” she says.
Another thing to look out for is wheel thickness, if you’re a beginner, Cowan suggests opting for an ab roller with a thicker wheel which will be more stable while you focus on performing the action correctly.
“Some rollers have two or even three wheels, which make them more stable for those new to the exercise. The best multi-wheel rollers can be split up, meaning you can adjust the stability as you progress and as your strength levels increase.”
How often should you use an ab roller?
Sarah Kacey, trainer at F45 Highgate, which specialises in high-intensity workouts, recommends doing 8–12 reps three times, resting for 30–45 seconds in between each set.
“I would recommend adding this into your training two to three times a week. However, this is only one ab variation, for optimal results I recommend implementing a variety of different abdominal exercises as well as performing compound movements, such as squats, deadlifts, pull-ups and bench press,” she tells GLAMOUR.
Getting started is easy, just as long as your careful. “If you are new to using an ab roller, it can be quite daunting - face planting the floor is not what you want! To start with, set yourself a little distance away from a wall and roll the roller into the wall and then gradually take your knees further and further away until you can perform the movement unassisted.”
Keen for more fitness content? Head this way for the best running headphones, over here for the best foam rollers to speed up your recovery in between workouts and here for the best massage guns for every budget.
What is the best ab roller to buy? Keep scrolling for the best ab rollers on the market to add into your next workout.
Best ab rollers on Amazon
Adidas Ab Wheel, £20.99, Amazon
Why we love it: The padded foam handles guarantee a snug grip while the wheel is rubberised for a smooth rolling motion that won't have you face-planting the floor.
Best ab roller for beginners
H&S Ab Abdominal Exercise Roller, £13.99, Amazon
Why we love it: This roller comes with an extra-thick knee pad mat and knee pads to keep bruises at bay while protecting your floor too. It's lightweight too, so easy to shove in a gym bag and bring with you.
Best ab rollers for beginners
Phoenix Fitness Ab Roller, £8.99, Amazon
Why we love it: This is super durable, with a steel bar and foam grip handles, perfect for beginners and experts at ab workouts. You can't go wrong with this orange number.
Best ab rollers on Amazon
Trideer Ab Roller, £11.89, Amazon
Why we love it: This one is a breeze to disassemble, so carrying it between your gym and living room will be a piece of cake. It comes with a knee pad too for additional support.
Best ab rollers for stability
Ultrasport Ab Roller Abdominal Trainer, £13.75, Amazon
Why we love it: A splash of colour is always welcome and will be a lot easier to find in your gym bag. The dual-wheel and non-slip handles are ideal for keeping you stable as you get to grips with it too.
Ab roller Argos
Why we love it: This affordable ab roller is ideal if you want to train your core while shopping on a budget. It's cheap and cheerful, but still durable and easy to use.
Best convertible ab rollers
Amonax Convertible Ab Wheel Roller, £11.99, Amazon
Why we love it: Best for beginners, if you're new to ab rollers, this one has adjustable wheels so you can start small and work your way along for a tougher workout.
Best ab rollers Decathlon
Ab Wheel Domyos, £6.99, Decathlon
Why we love it: Give yourself an extra challenge by moving the dual wheels together for a less stable way of working your core. It's suitable for use on all types of floors too, from hardwood to concrete to tiling.
Best ab rollers: Mountain Warehouse
Ab Exercise Wheel, £14.99, Mountain Warehouse
Why we love it: If the colourful blue wheel doesn't do it for you, then the foam handles and wide wheel for an easy introduction into ab rolling certainly will.
Best ab rollers: MenKind
Why we love it: Strengthen your abdominal muscles by incorporating this budget-friendly design into your workouts. It's fuss-free and minimal, won't take up much space and you'll see fast results with regular use.
Best ab rollers: Asda
Athletic Works Fitness Wheel, £7, ASDA
Why we love it: Next time you're doing your supermarket shop in Asda, pick up this ab roller and roll your way to a six-pack. It's the perfect all-rounder for improving strength and will work your abs, back, arms and shoulders.
