Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Ab Roller®?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

An Ab Roller® is a piece of exercise equipment that targets the abdominal muscles. It is made out of curved metal bars that have padded areas which serve as headrests and armrests. The machine is intended to assist people who are trying to lose weight and tone their waistlines by helping them to do effective sit-ups and crunches.

In order to use an Ab Roller®, one must lie down on the floor with the head and arms positioned to rest against the appropriate cushions. While gripping the metal bar that arches above the head and shoulders, begin repetitions of sit-ups using the abdominal muscles. One of the benefits of using an Ab Roller® or a similar device is that the device helps to avoid unnecessary strain and injury to the neck and shoulder muscles.

The Ab Roller can make sit-ups and crunches more effective.
The Ab Roller can make sit-ups and crunches more effective.

There are a number of variations on the basic exercise for which the Ab Roller® is intended. Most of the variations have to do with the positioning of the legs. The traditional position is with the knees bent and the feet press firmly against the floor. One can also do sit-ups and crunches while holding the legs straight up in the air.

In order to target specific muscles, one may also let both knees fall to one side before beginning a repetition. The same exercise can then be performed with the knees on the other side. For a rigorous exercise that will require a good deal of abdominal strength, the legs can be held out straight at a ninety degree angle. This is generally considered to be one of the hardest variations of this kind of exercise.

The Ab Roller may be used as part of an exercise regimen to aid in weight loss.
The Ab Roller may be used as part of an exercise regimen to aid in weight loss.

All of the exercise variations described above can be performed while using an Ab Roller® as well as other pieces of equipment made by the same company. In addition to the Ab Roller®, there is also the Ab Toner®, and the Ab Trainer®. These products are geared to different levels of fitness and exercise intensity. They are also priced to meet different budgets.

While using an Ab Roller® at home may be a good way to lose weight and tone the waistline, most gyms already have this equipment on hand for members to use. Furthermore, it is common for gyms to purchase the highest-quality version of the product because it will get such frequent use. In order to learn more about this product, ask a trainer or watch the videos on the company's website.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

Learn more...
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The Ab Roller can make sit-ups and crunches more effective.
      By: Dirima
      The Ab Roller can make sit-ups and crunches more effective.
    • The Ab Roller may be used as part of an exercise regimen to aid in weight loss.
      By: jedi-master
      The Ab Roller may be used as part of an exercise regimen to aid in weight loss.