While there's no such thing as spot training, there's no way you'll get Halle Berry abs without adding some core-strengthening moves to your workout routine. And an ab trainer is a good way to do just that. Something else an ab machine is great for? When you're a beginner and could use some extra support while training your core to get stronger, says Melissa McCowen, a NASM-cerified trainer in Washington state.
Depending on what kind of equipment you're using, they can take some of the load off of your lower back, add more resistance to your workout to fast-track results, or give you the confidence to power through more complex movements.
An ab machine can also provide you with a greater range of motion than a simple bodyweight exercise, says McCowen. Think about it: If you're doing crunches on the floor, there's only so far back you can go, whereas an ab machine, like a decline bench, allows you to manipulate what part of the abs you're working out by allowing you to increase how far you flex your spine.
All of this, however, depends on which ab machine you opt to buy. Different ones function in different ways, so you should buy what's best for you according to your goals. But to get you started, here's a list of ab trainers that will definitely help you level up the difficulty of your go-to core workout. They've been selected based on user reviews and top rankings on trusted online retail sites like Amazon and Walmart. Best of all: There's one here for every price point and skill level.