Shedding the excess fat around your stomach is hard. Your body naturally stores fat in this area to insulate all your internal organs and lots of factors such as hormone levels, age, sex and stress levels can make excess fat more common in the abdomen area.
Getting rid of the fat in your stomach area isn’t just a matter of looks. Too much excess fat around your belly can lead to problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
The best way to get on top of your waistline is a combination of good eating and good exercise. Reducing the number of calories you eat will stop your body storing excess calories while upping your activity levels will burn off the excess you already have.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the squishy stomach, you can work on those washboard abs if you wish, but remember that it doesn’t work the other way around. If you only focus on building muscle you may be strong but they won’t be visible until you remove the fat.
If you are looking to lose the stomach fat and build your abdominal muscles, you’re in luck because there are a host of different exercises and exercise machines available to help you.
We’ve rounded up some of the best exercise machines available to help you slim your waistline and build your abs.
Top 5 Exercise Machines for Stomach and Abs
OUR TOP PICK
Doufit Elliptical Machine for Home Use
EDITORS CHOICE
SunHealth & Fitness SF-RW1205 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine
BEST VALUE
MaxKare Folding Treadmill Electric Motorized Running Machine
OUR TOP PICK
Doufit Elliptical Machine for Home Use
This elliptical machine is smooth, adjustable and an amazing workout for the whole body. If you want to burn calories and shift stomach fat, this machine is a great choice.
Some of the key features include a heavy-duty steel frame which can withstand a lot of use and abuse so you can train hard without worrying about damaging the machine; textured foot pedals which prevent your feet from slipping during exercise; an adjustable, magnetic resistance dial which allows you to tailor your workout to your ability and needs; and a digital monitor with built-in heart rate tracker so you can make sure you are in the cardio zone.
Customers are very happy with the fact that this machine is practically noiseless which means that you can work out in front of the TV and not miss a thing. It also gives you more options in terms of where you place the machine as you don’t have to worry about disturbing others in your home.
This machine is advertised as lightweight despite the heavy-duty steel construction. Most reviewers say that it is easy to move around the home or apartment due to the two wheels on the base, though moving and lifting the box it comes in is difficult due to the weight of the machine.
Pros
- Low impact on joints.
- Heart rate monitor.
- Noiseless.
- Easy to set up.
- Adjustable resistance.
- Durable.
- Plenty of stride space so you won’t bang your knees.
- Good for loosing fat and building abs.
Cons
- Can be slightly wobbly when used by people at the maximum end of the weight capacity (240lb.)
- Heavy to lift out of the box.
EDITORS CHOICE
SunHealth & Fitness SF-RW1205 12 Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine
If you are looking for something compact, lightweight and low cost, you probably won’t do better than this rower! It is just four and half foot long and light enough to lift one handed so it should be suitable for even the cosiest apartment.
The construction feels durable according to users, despite the lightweight feel. This is excellent news and should allow you to train hard without damaging the machine.
Advertised as ergonomic with cushioned handles, a padded seat and pivoting footpedals, users find this machine to be comfortable to use for extended sessions. It has a smooth working motion which provides a low impact work out for those who want to go easy on the joints.
The display monitor is easy to read and tracks your calories, row count and time so you can choose how much or how long you want to work out. It’s a good little motivator.
Pros
- Excellent value.
- Easy to assemble.
- Ergonomic design.
- Easy to move around the home.
- Quiet operation.
- Durable construction.
- Good for loosing fat and toning abs.
Cons
- The hydraulic piece which provides resistance becomes warm after about ten minutes of use which reduces the resistance it provides. If you are a strong rower looking for a tough workout this machine probably won’t suit you.
BEST VALUE
MaxKare Folding Treadmill Electric Motorized Running Machine
This treadmill ‘treads’ the line between high-end and budget friendly really well. It has some premium features that will give you a comfortable and effective training session but it doesn’t cost thousands of dollars.
The best feature of this treadmill is the whole machine anti shock system. Essentially there are a number of cushioning pads that help reduce the shock on your knees and ankles. This is a really helpful feature for new runners and those who have some joint issues.
The machine also has 15 present programs which can help you build stamina, speed and burn calories. This is handy for beginners who perhaps aren’t sure what they should be doing in terms of a workout.
The wide belt gives you lots of room to run or walk so you don’t feel like you are on a highwire. There is no incline feature on this treadmill which is a bit of a disappointment, especially if you really want to push yourself.
Speed wise, the machine foes from 0.5mph to 8.5mph which is a decent range and it seems to handle the higher speeds well enough thanks to it’s powerful copper motor.
Pros
- Sturdy construction.
- Cushioned design for reduced joint impact.
- Wide belt area.
- Folds away for storage.
- 15 preset programs.
- One touch go and speed adjustment.
Cons
- No incline.
- Short belt length might be an issue for taller users.
RUNNER UP
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
This is a recumbent exercise bike which means that you can sit back on the seat rather than having to hunch over the handlebars like a standard exercise bike. It is much more comfortable and kinder on the lumbar, especially if you aren’t a frequent cyclist.
The Marcy Recumbent Exercise bike is a good budget bike which will provide a solid workout to help you lose the stomach fat though it is less efficient at toning and building abdominal muscles.
The bike has counterbalanced pedals which help to keep them the right way up so you can just slip your feet straight in. The pedals also have adjustable straps so your feet won’t slip out when cycling. The straps, along with the textured pedals, seem to be excellent quality according to buyers.
Though it has a small footprint, this bike is adjustable in length so that you can get the right stride length for your height. Costumers have made it clear that even those of you over 6’ will be able to use this bike comfortably without having to use the longest adjustment which is really something for such a compact machine!
Pros
- Adjustable length is suitable for taller people.
- Adjustable resistance.
- Clear, easy to read display.
- Durable construction.
- Comfortable seat.
- Quiet operation.
Cons
- If you are 5’ 1” or below, you may struggle to reach the pedals.
- Resistance might be a bit low for fitter users.
- Not great for toning your abs.
RUNNER UP
MaxiClimber(r) – The Original Patented Vertical Climber
This machine will give you a tough workout that will shed pounds and tone your abs, arms and legs at the same time. It is an amazing bit of kit that won’t break the bank but does seem to have some durability issues.
The MaxiClimber(r) is a step machine that uses your own bodyweight as resistance. It allows you to climb quickly so that you can raise you heart rate and stay in the cardio zone to burn calories.
The machine has a really slim profile and design which makes it super easy to store when not in use but also means that you can leave it up without sacrificing space.
It is technically a low-impact machine as the movements are smooth and it doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the joints, however the repetitive step up action might be a bit much for people with knee issues so please consider your ability and limits befor buying.
Users are pleased with the easy assembly, simple operation and the workout you get from the machine. They do however not that the construction, particularly of the rubber parts, is not very durable.
After a few weeks of use, a number of users have said that the rubber foot grips and other plastic or rubber parts seem to be wearing or have broken. These reviews are in the minority but are worth bearing in mind.
Pros
- Full body workout.
- Slim footprint.
- Easy construction and use.
- Great for loosing weight and toning.
- Height adjustable.
- Fairly quiet operation.
Cons
- Has some durability issues.
- LCD display monitor is in an awkward position.
- No adjustible resistance.
Exercise Machine for Stomach and Abs Buying Guide
There is a huge range of exercise machines available on the market, so which one should you go for? This buyer’s guide will help you understand the different types of machines, what they are good for and what kind of things you should look out for when buying.
Cardio vs Strength
Losing stomach fat and toning your abs are two different processes that require different kinds of exercises.
Cardio activity is where you raise your heart rate and your breathing rate. This is excellent for burning excess calories and fat. If you are looking to lose weight, you want to be doing cardio.
Cardio machines are ones that get your heart rate up to around 110 bpm, though the advised heart rate changes depending on your age. Treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, rowing machines and step trainers are all cardio machines. All of them are great for removing stomach fat as they work your core area as well as your limbs.
Strength training is all about toning and building muscle mass. These exercises are the ones that will give you washboard abs. Anything using resistance which can be in the form of weights or your own bodyweight will build your muscle.
The cardio machines mentioned above will also help you tone your abs as you are using your body weight as a form of resistance while training. Rowing machines are particularly good for toning your abs because you need to hold yourself in the correct position which requires core strength.
Other than cardio machines, your options are weight machines. These can be cable machines which require you to lift a weight via a cable. These are good because you can adjust the weights and often the pulling mechanism to target particular muscles.
Space
There are no two ways about it, exercise machines are bulky. When buying exercise machines you really need to think about where you plan on putting them. The box dimensions might appear to fit your room but you also need to consider the way the machine moves. Elliptical machines, for example, have long handles that extend as you move. If you’ve not got the space for the handles to extend the machine will be pretty useless to you.
You also need to consider the flooring in your space. Most machines will have slip-resistant feet or base so they don’t slide around on tiles or wooden flooring. While these are great for hard flooring, it makes them less stable on carpeted floors. Some machines, like rowing machines and elliptical trainers, can become quite unsteady and unsafe on carpets.
Power
Your exercise machine may require power, the biggest culprit here being treadmills. If this is the case you need to think about where you are going to place it so that you have access to a socket.
Elliptical trainers, rowing machines and exercise bikes tend not to need a plug. They use magnetic resistance to increase the difficulty of the workout and most have LED screens which are either battery-powered or use the energy generated by the machine to work.
Manual machines are often better because they can be placed anywhere in the house and they won’t add to your electricity bill. They are also cheaper in general. If you want a machine with a built-in screen that can access the internet and play videos, you will need a plug and more money!
Price
You can expect to pay over a hundred dollars for an exercise machine, most range between two and four hundred dollars for basic models.
As you add more features like built-in audio and visual devices, heart rate trackers, digital workout programs and fans you will see the price tag increase. This might not be an issue for you but if you are looking for a budget machine, you will need to forget the fancy machines you see at the gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best exercise machine for home use?
It all really depends on what space you have and your needs. For shedding stomach fat and toning abs, you will do well with either a treadmill, elliptical trainer, rowing machine or stationary bike. These all have compact models available which have a smaller footprint than the gym versions and often fold away.
So other things to consider when buying exercise machines for the home is how noisy they can be. If you plan on keeping your machine in the living room you might want to look for quieter versions of these machines.
What exercise machine is best for beginners?
If you are starting out you want to consider two things, ease of use and the impact level of a machine.
Ease of use just means how simple the machine is to use. If you’ve never used a machine before go for a simple machine without all the bells and whistles. You will be able to focus on getting your form correct and stamina up without worrying about why the built-in TV is only playing cooking shows!
The impact level is important for your body. Running is a high impact exercise because it puts a lot of shock and stress on your joints so for some people, jumping straight on a treadmill can be more detrimental than helpful as you’ll be left with aches and pains that can slow your training.
Rowers, exercise bikes and elliptical machines are all low impact machines as they use smooth movements with little to no force on the joints. You can use a treadmill as a low impact machine by walking on it which is a good way to build up stamina and get ready for higher impact exercises like jogging and running.
How do I lose belly fat in three days?
Unfortunately, you can’t. Losing stomach fat, or any kind of fat, requires a bit of a lifestyle change. There are plenty of videos and products out there that claim to get rid of fat and give you washboard abs in days or a week but the fact of the matter is without corresponding diet and activity level changes the fat won’t disappear and stay off.
The best way to lose fat around the stomach is cardio exercises which burn off extra calories and fat. You need to pair this with a reduced-calorie intake in order to make sure you aren’t storing calories you don’t need.
