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Ab Roller Benefits: 8 Reasons To Use It In 2023

Christine VanDoren

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN

ab roller benefits
Ab rollers effectively target the core. Photo: Nghi Tran

Are you looking to sculpt your abdominal muscles and shed those stubborn inches around your midsection? If so, it is time to discover the incredible benefits of ab roller.

This simple yet highly effective exercise tool has been a long-time buddy to gym enthusiasts. It has stood the test of time and is still very much in use due to its ability to strengthen the core and help you burn calories. The ab roller introduces a dynamic and challenging twist to traditional core training. 

In this article, we will dive into the world of ab roller benefits, exploring how this simple device can revamp your fitness game – helping you achieve weight loss beyond taking a fat burner and gaining the toned, chiseled midsection you have always desired.

8 Benefits Of Ab Roller You May Not Know

Here are eight reasons why you should include the ab roller in your routine:

  1. Strengthened core.
  2. Increased upper body strength.
  3. Efficient full-body workout.
  4. Enhanced balance and stability.
  5. Prevention of injury.
  6. Increased calorie burn.
  7. Improved body posture.
  8. Enhanced abdominal definition.

Ab Roller Benefits: 8 Advantages Of Workouts

ab roller benefits
Ab rollouts target and strengthen the core muscles. Photo: Srdjan Randjelovic/Shutterstock

Strengthened Core

Ab roller workout benefits, such as ab rollouts, are renowned for targeting and strengthening the core muscles. These exercises promote a firmer and more stable midsection by engaging the rectus abdominis, obliques, and deeper core muscles.

Increased Upper Body Strength 

Ab roller exercises are not solely limited to the core. They also engage your arms, shoulders, and upper back muscles as you roll. Over time, this can improve upper body strength and muscle building.

Efficient Full-Body Workout

While the primary focus of ab wheel training is the core, the exercises also engage other muscle groups, including the hip flexors, lower back, and arms. This comprehensive activation provides a time-efficient full-body workout that maximizes muscle engagement and calorie expenditure.

Enhanced Balance And Stability 

Ab wheel rollouts enhance balance and stability by engaging both upper and lower body coordination. Regularly including them in your routine improves overall balance, making you more resilient in different physical activities.

Prevention Of Injury

Strong core muscles contribute to better posture and spinal alignment, reducing the risk of lower back pain and injury. Ab roller workouts help develop the core strength necessary for proper spinal support.

Increased Calorie Burn

The ab wheel workout can contribute to increased calorie expenditure and weight management. The intense nature of these exercises elevates heart rate and engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, effectively burning calories and supporting fat loss efforts. Even without weight loss supplements, the ab roller workout can help you manage your weight.

Improved Body Posture

By strengthening the core muscles, ab wheel exercises promote better posture. A strong core supports the spine’s proper alignment, reducing the likelihood of slouching or hunching over.

Enhanced Abdominal Definition 

If you want to achieve a well-sculpted abdomen, you should consider ab roller workouts. These exercises specifically target the abdominal muscles, helping to develop definition and sculpted abs. With regular use, you can achieve a more chiseled and toned midsection, which is one ab roller wheel benefits many fitness enthusiasts are gunning for.

What Is An Ab Roller?

What Is An Ab Roller
An Ab roller comprises a small wheel with handles on each side. Photo: LightField Studios/Shutterstock

An ab roller, also known as an abdominal wheel or ab wheel is a simple fitness device designed to target and strengthen the core muscles, particularly the abdominal muscles. It comprises a small wheel with handles on each side. 

The wheel is usually made of sturdy material like plastic or rubber, and the handles provide a firm grip for the user. Abs roller benefits effectively when using engaging core muscle groups with a versatile tool. The core[1] is a complex anatomical region comprising various muscle groups. 

These include the rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques, erector spine, lumbar multifidus, quadratus lumborum, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and iliac psoas. Using an ab roller involves a rolling motion on the ground that requires stability, control, and coordination. 

As you roll the wheel forward and backward, your core muscles contract to maintain proper form and prevent your lower back from sagging or arching. This dynamic movement activates the core muscles in a way that regular physical activity[2] and traditional exercises like crunches or sit-ups may not achieve.

Ab rollers often come with additional features or variations, such as resistance bands, adjustable handles, or knee pads. These features allow users to modify the intensity of the exercise or accommodate different fitness levels.

However, it is important to note that proper form and technique are crucial to avoid strain or injury like any other exercise equipment. Beginners may need to start with modified exercises or use knee pads for added support until they develop sufficient core strength. 

Eating balanced meals that are low in unhealthy fats and calories and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals is also pivotal in ab roller workouts.

Ab Roller Muscles Worked: How To Use An Ab Wheel Roller Effectively

How To Use An Ab Wheel Roller Effectively
Adding the ab wheel to your fitness routine can contribute to increased core strength. Photo: Momentum studio/Shutterstock

To work out effectively and maximize the ab wheel benefits for your core muscles and overall strength, follow these key steps:

  1. Start with proper form: Position yourself on your hands and knees, firmly gripping the ab roller handles. Align your shoulders directly over your wrists and maintain a neutral spine.
  2. Engage your core: Engage your core muscles by drawing your belly button towards your spine. This activation will provide stability and protect your lower back during the exercise.
  3. Roll out gradually: Roll the ab wheel forward slowly, extending your arms straight ahead. Maintain stability to prevent sagging or arching in the lower back.
  4. Maintain alignment: Keep your body straight from your head to your knees as you roll out. Avoid lifting your hips or letting your shoulders droop.
  5. Feel the stretch: During the ab wheel rollout, extending forward will stretch your abdominal muscles. Pause when you feel a comfortable stretch without compromising form.
  6. Roll back to the starting position: Roll the ab wheel back towards your knees with controlled movements, engaging your core for stability. Avoid collapsing or relying solely on upper body strength.
  7. Gradually increase difficulty: As your core strength improves, progress your ab wheel rollout by extending further forward. For an added challenge, attempt the exercise from your feet instead of your knees.

Consistency is also crucial to build core strength[3] and see progress over time. Incorporating the ab wheel into your fitness routine can contribute to a stronger, more defined core and improved upper body strength.

Conclusion

The ab roller is not just another fitness equipment; it is a powerful tool with several benefits. From strengthening your core muscles to improving posture, enhancing upper body strength, and promoting stability and balance, ab wheel workouts offer a comprehensive approach to fitness. 

The versatility and convenience of the ab roller make it an accessible choice for individuals of all fitness levels, whether beginners or advanced athletes.

It is important to approach ab wheel training with proper form, gradually increasing difficulty as your core strength improves and supplementing with other traditional ab exercises for a well-rounded routine. Consistency and dedication are key to reaping the full range of ab roller benefits.

So, if you are ready to take your core training to the next level, embrace the power of the ab roller. Strengthen your core, define your abs, improve your posture, and unlock a range of fitness advantages that will transform your body and overall well-being.

Incorporate the ab roller into your fitness routine and move toward a more robust, fitter, and healthier version of yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ab roller effective?

Yes, the ab roller is effective. Numerous reviews by fitness enthusiasts have tested and tried the ab roller.

How long does it take to see results from the ab roller?

The timeline for results from the workouts varies depending on your consistency, healthy diet, and lifestyle. For instance, if you perform the ab rollout consistently, it may take weeks to months to achieve noticeable results, depending on the above factors.

How many ab roller reps per day?

The number of ab roller reps you should perform daily depends on your fitness level, goals, and overall workout routine. Gradually increase the reps as your core strength improves and you become more comfortable with the exercise.

Do ab rollers target lower abs?

Yes, ab rollers do target the lower abs along with other muscles in the core. While ab rollers primarily engage the entire core, including the rectus abdominis and the obliques, they activate the lower abs during the rolling motion.


+ 3 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Oliva-Lozano, J.M. and Muyor, J.M. (2020). Core Muscle Activity during Physical Fitness Exercises: A Systematic Review. [online] 17(12), pp.4306–4306. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124306.
  2. CDC (2023). How much physical activity do adults need? [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm.
  3. Zemková, E. and Ludmila Zapletalová (2021). Back Problems: Pros and Cons of Core Strengthening Exercises as a Part of Athlete Training. [online] 18(10), pp.5400–5400. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105400.
Christine VanDoren

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her passion is helping others learn how strong and healthy they can become by transforming their daily habits. Christine spends most of her time in the gym, hiking, painting, and learning how she can influence others through positivity!

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

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