We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Ab Wheel?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: Feb 07, 2024
Views: 25,505
Share

An ab wheel is a piece of fitness equipment intended to tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles. With its simple design, compact size, and low price, it is an attractive option for those who wish to tone their abs at home without complicated, bulky, or expensive equipment. While most users agree that an ab wheel workout is extremely challenging, many report being rewarded for their labor with a taut, defined midsection. In order to prevent injury to the upper body, exercisers must take care to maintain proper form while using the wheel.

Most ab wheel models are incredibly simple in design. They consist of a hard plastic wheel that is approximately seven inches (17.78 cm) in diameter and two inches (5.08 cm) in width. A steel rod runs through the center of the wheel, projecting approximately five inches (12.7 cm) from either side of the wheel to form handles. For user comfort, these handles are usually covered in rubber, plastic, or foam grips.

Due to the simplicity of its design, this exercise device is generally very affordable. It is also quite compact, and can thus be easily stored out of sight between workouts. The wheel can even be tucked into a suitcase for use while traveling.

To use the ab wheel, begin by kneeling on the floor. Grasp the wheel’s handles and position it on the floor just in front of the knees. Slowly roll the wheel forward until the arms are almost fully extended, pause, and then roll back to the starting position. The abdominal muscles should be tensed throughout, and the lower back should not be allowed to dip. While users should aim to perform three sets of ten to 15 repetitions, many will find that they are capable of only a few repetitions at first.

Good form is imperative to ab wheel use, as improperly performed repetitions can lead to injury of the abdomen, shoulders, and back. Therefore, exercisers must ensure that they continue to engage their abdominal muscles throughout each repetition, and avoid pushing or pulling with their arms or back. While the exercise should produce a slight burning sensation in the abs and back, it should not cause pain. Any exerciser who experiences severe pain during ab wheel use should stop their workout, as they may have suffered an injury. Finally, users should take care to stretch the upper body muscles fully after each workout.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-an-ab-wheel.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.