What is an Ab Roller?
An ab roller is a small piece of exercise equipment used to work the core muscles in the abdomen. It consists of a short cylinder with handles that roll on the floor.
How Does an Ab Roller Work?
To use an ab roller, you grasp the handles while on your knees and slowly roll the wheel away from your body, extending your torso into an elongated plank position. You then use your core strength to pull yourself back to the starting position. This rolling motion works the abdominal muscles intensely.
Benefits of the Ab Roller
- Targets the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis
- Challenges stability and balance
- Portable and inexpensive piece of equipment
- Provides a challenging core workout
Related Exercises
- Plank – Core stability exercise holding body in straight line with elbows/forearms and toes on floor. Works abdominal and back muscles.
- Crunches – Common abdominal exercise lifting shoulders off floor by flexing core with knees bent. Targets rectus abdominis muscle.
- Sit-ups – Abdominal exercise lifting torso off floor by flexing core with knees bent and feet anchored. Works rectus abdominis.
- Leg raises – Exercise lifting straight or bent legs from hanging or lying position to work lower abdominals and hip flexors. Variations: hanging, lying, reverse.
Common Questions
- How many reps should I do with the ab roller? Start with 10-15 reps, 3 sets. Increase as you build core strength.
- Which muscles does it work? Primarily the rectus abdominis, along with the internal and external obliques, and transverse abdominis.
- Is an ab roller safe? It’s safe if used with proper form. Go slow and only extend as far as you can control.
Don’t Confuse With
- Ab wheel – Same exercise equipment with a different name.
- Ab bench – Long padded bench for sit-ups and crunches. Does not have rolling wheel.
In summary, the ab roller is an effective, inexpensive exercise tool to challenge and strengthen the abdominals and core. When used correctly, it can burn fat and sculpt a stronger midsection.
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