The Best Core Exercise Equipment of 2026

Why We Like It

Dumbbells can be used during core workouts in the same way that weight plates can, but the presence of handles on dumbbells can make core work a bit easier. These dumbbells from REP Fitness are our favorite, earning an overall 5 out of 5 for their wide range of weights and ergonomic, knurled grips.

Using dumbbells for core work is an easy and effective way to add resistance and make even more gains than you would by using only your body weight. “The fully-knurled handles allow you to get a maximum grip,” according to Jake Herod, BarBend expert product tester, who gave the knurling a 4.5 out of 5. “While you lift, you won’t have to worry about them slipping out of your hands.”

Compared to other dumbbells, we like the hexagonal shape and rubber material. The rubber helps protect your floors if you drop a weight and the shape prevents the weight from rolling away between sets.

The most basic set of these dumbbells ranges in weight from a set of 5 pounds to a set of 50 pounds. If you want to do some heavier lifting, there are other set options such as a 5- to 75-pound set, and a 5- to 100-pound set. Unfortunately, the lowest-priced set starts at $1,099.99, which may not work for all athletes.

That said, you can also buy these weights individually, as a 5- to 50-pound range may be too broad and pricey for some. If you want to purchase a set of dumbbells and are worried about storage, REP also sells dumbbell racks for your weights.

Adding dumbbells to your exercise routine can be a great way to really amp up your workout and add some variety to your training. REP Fitness hex dumbbells are stable, comfortable, and come in a wide range of weights.

Why We Like It

This complete training tool uses band resistance and expert-guided workouts to tax your major muscle groups — and, yes, your core — at a relatively affordable price point. 

The LIT AXIS workout system is near the top of our list (and one of the best smart core exercise equipment) for several reasons. First, this pair of bands allows you to move freely with a variety of resistances to train every part of your core. You can perform pallof presses, banded woodchoppers, standing or kneeling crunches, and hundreds of other exercises — core-specific or not.

LIT AXIS is also portable, making it an excellent option for folks who are routinely on the road or like to train on vacation. As long as you have access to a door or sturdy piece of furniture, you can anchor the bands within your room, pull up the corresponding app, and get to work. We also like that the app prioritizes and encourages progression. Take the assessment, and then the app will spit out a program to follow. The sensors on the band allow the app to track metrics like reps performed and weight lifted, so you always have a number to beat next time. 

If you want to train as much of your body as possible, you’ll likely want to invest in the Total Gym Package, which offers resistance up to 95 pounds per band. The other two packages offer only 45 pounds, making it difficult for more experienced lifters to effectively target their larger muscle groups. After you purchase the package, you’ll also have to pay for an app membership, with a monthly option of $14.99 or a yearly subscription of $120. LIT Method does offer a 30-day trial period (and warranty), so you can always opt out if you don’t think this system is for you. 

LIT Method offers a complete training tool that is, relatively speaking, affordable and portable. It allows you to twist and bend to target your core muscles and is a great general training option.

Why We Like It

When thinking about core exercise equipment, a decline bench may not be the first piece of equipment that comes to mind. However, using a weight bench like this to do your sit-ups can be an excellent option and a great way to change up your boring core on the floor work. The Force USA FID is our choice for the best decline bench for its multiple angle options and wheels for easy mobility.

If you are investing in a workout bench, you are probably looking for something with multiple uses. The Force USA FID bench has a sturdy build and enough variety to allow you to hit your core at various angles. This bench’s back can be positioned at seven different angles, and the seat can be adjusted to three different angles, so you can easily change what part of your abs you’re working. 

One of the best parts about this decline bench is that it has wheels and a handle at the base. This means that you can easily maneuver it around your home gym and get it out of your way if needed or move it near other equipment that you need to utilize. Plus, when you want to use it for other workouts, it can hold up to 1,300 pounds, so you should be able to bench to your heart’s delight.

Having a decline bench is a great way to work your core. It is especially great when the bench can be utilized in multiple positions. When it comes to decline benches, this one really fits the bill. It is incredibly durable, versatile, and can hold up to 1,300 pounds. If people with various goals all utilize the same home gym, then this would be the perfect addition.

Why We Like It

If you have any experience in a gym, you likely know what an ab roller is. Ab rollers are well known for helping to improve overall core strength and possibly the physical appearance of your abs, as well. This ab roller from Rogue provides you with all you need for an effective core workout and does not require much time or space. 

Rogue Fitness is a reputable brand well known for producing top-notch fitness equipment, and they knocked it out of the park with their Rogue Ab Wheel. This core exercise equipment is super durable and can hang with you for years for core workouts. In addition, the 3-inch-wide wheel offers more stability than other ab rollers, making it usable for various fitness levels. It also has a very ergonomic design, super comfy grips, and a smooth rollout. 

The Rogue Ab Wheel is versatile and suitable for users of various fitness levels (as long as they have the upper body strength to support their body weight). Beginners can start by performing kneeling rollouts, gradually progressing to standing rollouts as their core strength and stability improve. Advanced users can challenge themselves further by incorporating variations, such as single-arm rollouts or incorporating the ab wheel into more complex exercises.

The Rogue Ab Wheel is by far one of the best ab rollers on the market. The wide wheel is more stable than others, and the comfortable grips mean the only pain you should feel is the burn in your core.

Why We Like It

Utilizing a balance trainer for a core workout really amps up the workout because your core muscles must work extra hard to stabilize your body. The BOSU Ballast Ball is our favorite because of its added stability and durable materials. 

Using core exercise equipment like the BOSU Ballast Ball during a workout can help you develop midline strength and stability and improve your balance and coordination. The Ballast Ball takes a simple concept like a rubber ball and adds one interesting tweak — 2.5 pounds of ballast to help keep the ball more stable than other balance balls. 

The additional ballast keeps the ball in place while you’re doing your workouts and prevents you from becoming a YouTube star when the ball rolls while you’re on it. In addition, the BOSU Ballast Ball is made using a non-slip, burst-resistant material that is meant to withstand continual daily gym usage. Add a 300-pound weight capacity to that, and you can forget about it popping in the middle of a set. 

If you are looking for a fantastic balance trainer to add to your collection of core exercise equipment, the BOSU Ballast Ball is our top pick. We love this piece of equipment because it is more stable than other balls, is extremely pop-resistant, and has an excellent weight capacity.

Why We Like It

While many people would not immediately put weight plates into the exercise equipment category, they absolutely have a place there. Adding weight plates to core exercises can increase the resistance and demands placed on the core muscles, and these plates from Again Faster are among the best.

This weight plate brand offers various colors and weights for all exercise needs. Many users enjoy the visual appeal of these plates, but they are also very durable, so they won’t get wrecked if they are tossed around the gym. The outer rubber coating makes them easy to handle during plate sit-ups. They also have a durometer rating of 90 for a dead bounce, so when you drop them after a hard set, they’ll bounce rather than crash to the floor. 

For beginners, these plates go from 10 pounds to 45 pounds each and come in a set weighing 1,000 pounds total. While you likely do not need 1,000 pounds to work your core alone, having a variety of weights can be perfect for a home gym (and big goals). Remember, working your core does not always mean doing sit-ups. Doing big movements like deadlifts and squats can also help to strengthen the core as well as improve stability and posture, so you can pile on the plates and work that midline.

The Again Faster Evo Bumper Plates are a great addition to any home gym and are our favorite bumper plate option. While you can easily use one plate at a time for your typical core work, doing barbell movements using these plates can also be a great way to strengthen your posterior chain and core. 

Why We Like It

A designated ab bench in your home gym can be a game changer. Not only does it provide a secure way to do decline sit-ups, but it can also be used to do presses and flyes that hit your lower pecs. This sit-up machine from Finer Form is our favorite for its angle variety, great price, and excellent build. 

The Finer Form Semi-Commercial Sit-Up Bench Elite is the best choice for someone wanting a piece of designated core exercise equipment. This sit-up bench can equip you to do decline sit-ups at various angles while the leg rollers keep you in place. You can also reverse position on it and use the aluminum handle to keep yourself stable while performing leg raises. 

This sit-up bench is made of reinforced steel, which means it is built to last and can stand plenty of use without noticeable wear and tear. One of the bonuses of this bench is that it has adjustable 3-level rollers. This means you can adjust the bench to fit your height and weight so that you have a more efficient and personalized workout. If you are tall, you may have found that some benches do not provide enough support. Luckily, this bench has a long, sturdy backboard with plenty of padding, so everyone using it will be comfortable while crushing their core work. 

Having a sit-up machine to utilize regularly can help improve your core strength when used correctly and consistently. More importantly, having one like this one that is versatile and durable can help you continue to improve over time. 

Why We Like It

Some people want to just get on a machine and go, and that’s okay. Using an ab machine helps take the guesswork out of your core routine and ensures that you target the right muscles during the movements it puts you through. This ab machine from Fitlaya is easy to set up, simple to use, and delivers a solid core burn.

The Fitlaya Ab Machine is a great option for people who want a dynamite ab workout but do not want to mess around trying to figure out which movements they should do and from what position. This home gym ab machine uses padded knee sliders to mimic the motion of mountain climbers and knee raises without having to get on the floor or hang from a bar. 

The framework folds flat for easy storage, and the machine has a weight capacity of 440 pounds, which is impressive considering that it only weighs 23 pounds. The LCD monitor is small, but it still shows the essentials, like your reps performed, calories burned, and workout time. There are also four different resistance levels, so you can adjust the difficulty as you progress. 

If you have the space for a piece of equipment and plan to spend a lot of time improving your core strength and appearance, the Fitlaya Ab Machine would be a great addition to your home gym. It may help you tone your core and legs and blast some calories while you’re at it.