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Which Are the 15 Best Gym Equipment & Machines for Love Handles & Abs?
Love handles—those frustrating pockets of fat clinging to the sides of your waist—are notoriously difficult to shed. Choosing the right gym equipment plays a huge role in targeting them effectively. Among all indoor machines, the treadmill stands out because it drives higher maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and reaches a greater Fatmax zone than the elliptical or rower. In direct comparisons, it even surpasses stair climbers for total calorie expenditure.
That said, machines alone won’t get the job done—you still need the basics covered.
You won’t melt the fat unless your workouts go hand-in-hand with a sensible nutrition plan and, when appropriate, a calorie deficit. Leading health guidelines suggest trimming your daily intake by around 500–750 kcal while pairing it with consistent cardio and resistance training.
Here are fifteen gym machines that can help you tackle love handles and sculpt toned abs—provided you stay consistent and train smart.
01
Treadmills
The treadmill is arguably the most popular machine for fighting love handles because it torches the most calories while simultaneously engaging your lower body. That’s why it consistently ranks among the top equipment choices for abs and midsection training.
A landmark 1996 JAMA study comparing energy expenditure across six indoor machines at matched effort levels found that the treadmill produced the highest energy burn. Cross-country ski machines, rowers, and stair steppers trailed behind, with stationary bikes bringing up the rear.
More recently, a 2021 physiology study comparing treadmill, elliptical, and rowing exercises confirmed that the treadmill elicited higher maximal fat oxidation and a superior Fatmax compared to the other two—meaning you burn a larger share of fat at your peak fat-burning intensity.
Incline Push-Ups — How to Do
Place your hands on the treadmill rail and your feet on the side panels to engage your chest and core. Bend your elbows until your chest reaches bar level, then push back up with extended arms. Repeat for multiple reps.
✓ Pros
Gentle on the joints and excellent for eliminating love handles. Intensity is fully adjustable to suit any fitness level.
✗ Cons
Sessions can become monotonous over time.
02
Cable Machine
The cable machine might look intimidating at first glance, but it’s actually quite straightforward to operate. It’s one of the finest machines available for abs and love handles because it zones in on your core directly, making it an incredibly effective tool for developing a tight, toned midsection.
Side Planks with Cable Hold — How to Do
Set a lightweight on the cable machine and lower the carriage to the bottom. Stand a few feet away and grab the handle with your right hand. Drop into a side plank facing your left forearm and hold for 45 seconds.
The key is stacking your feet, reaching your right arm into a T-shape, and keeping your core braced throughout. Switch sides and repeat.
✓ Pros
Delivers constant tension on the rectus abdominis. Supports a wide range of ab exercises.
✗ Cons
May isolate muscles excessively, potentially leaving weaker supporting muscles behind.
03
Rowing Machine
Many people think the rower is only good for your back, but that’s a common misconception. It actually provides excellent abdominal engagement as well. The secret lies in using proper technique so that your core is activated throughout each stroke.
Knee Tucks — How to Do
Get into a push-up position with your feet on the rowing machine seat. Drive your hips upward into a pike, keeping your legs together. Slowly lower back down, or pull your knees toward your chest as an alternative.
✓ Pros
Fantastic calorie burner that actively works the obliques. Offers a complete full-body conditioning workout.
✗ Cons
Can place significant strain on the lower back if form breaks down.
04
Pull-Up Bar
For pure strength building, few tools rival the pull-up bar. It demands significant core engagement, hits multiple muscle groups simultaneously, and places special emphasis on the abdominals throughout every rep.
Knee Raises — How to Do
Grip the bar firmly and raise your knees toward the left side of your torso, getting as close as possible while bending your legs. Lower and repeat on the opposite side.
✓ Pros
Activates multiple muscle groups regardless of intensity level.
✗ Cons
Can place excessive strain on the shoulders over time.
05
Incline Bench
Searching for a stellar piece of equipment for abs and love handles? The incline weight bench deserves serious consideration. If you enjoy sit-ups, you’ll find it genuinely enjoyable to use. Not only does it strengthen your core, but it also helps define and tone your muscles over time.
Sit-Ups — How to Do
Sit on the bench, bend your knees, and secure your feet under the foot pads as you lie back. Lift your upper body slowly and return to the start. Aim for sets of 20 reps.
✓ Pros
Effectively targets both the upper and lower pectoral muscles.
✗ Cons
Sloppy posture can lead to injury and muscular imbalances.
06
Elliptical Machines
Cardio machines like the elliptical are tailor-made for core work, so don’t walk past one the next time you spot it at the gym. While experienced exercisers often get the most from it, you can still fire up your abs at moderate intensity and burn more calories than you might expect.
Core Workout — How to Do
Release the handles and stride hands-free. Letting go shifts more demand onto your stabilizer muscles, and the faster your pace, the greater the overall body fat you’ll torch.
✓ Pros
Burns substantial calories. Outstanding for cardiovascular conditioning. Great upper-body cardio option.
✗ Cons
Can feel extremely repetitive during long sessions.
07
Stair Climber
The calorie-burning potential of a stair climber alone is reason enough to incorporate it into your next gym session. Shedding that extra layer around your midsection demands serious abdominal work, and the stair climber is one of the best machines for the task.
Killer Cardio Burn — How to Do
This drill fires up your core muscles along with your hamstrings, glutes, and quads. Perform 6 rounds of 60-second sprints, jogging up two stairs per step. Keep going until you’re drenched in sweat—that’s when the real calorie burn kicks in!
✓ Pros
Superb for fat loss and elevating your heart rate. Doubles as strength training for the lower body.
✗ Cons
May aggravate pre-existing lower-back issues.
08
Captain’s Chair
Need a machine that hammers the abdominals while also accelerating calorie burn? The Captain’s chair is your answer. Give it a try in your next session.
Leg Raises — How to Do
Position yourself in the chair and relax your shoulders. Pull your left knee toward your abs while keeping your core tight. Let the other leg hang. Switch sides and keep repeating until you feel a deep burn in your midsection.
✓ Pros
Directly targets the rectus abdominis and boosts overall fitness. Highly effective for fat loss.
✗ Cons
Risk of injury increases if form is not precise.
09
Ab Roller
If you’ve never used an ab roller at the gym and you’re chasing a six-pack, you’re leaving results on the table. Ab rollers can also serve as a great substitute for ab crunch machines since they deliver comparable core benefits.
Ab Wheel Pike — How to Do
Strap your feet to the roller and get into a plank. Make sure your posture is spot-on to prevent injury. Place your wrists under your elbows and keep your legs fully extended while pulling the roller toward you.
When done correctly, your legs and torso will form a V-shape. Hold for 5 seconds, return to start, and aim for 3 sets of 15 reps. Your lower abs will feel the burn.
✓ Pros
Boosts core fitness significantly.
✗ Cons
Easy to strain muscles if proper form isn’t maintained.
10
Ab Coaster
Ab coaster workouts are far from complicated, yet they home in on the abs with laser precision. This machine ramps up your heart rate and pushes you closer to the sculpted midsection you’re after.
Ab Coaster Workout — How to Do
Unlock the seat and grip the handles while placing your knees on the pad. Slide along the rails using up-and-down knee movements. Push through fatigue and keep going to build endurance.
✓ Pros
Outstanding for building rock-solid abs.
✗ Cons
Somewhat limited in the range of exercises it supports.
11
Hanging Ab Strap
Many people shy away from hanging ab straps because they aren’t sure how to use them, and that uncertainty makes the equipment seem harder than it is. But if you’re serious about shedding body fat while engaging multiple muscle groups, this tool deserves a spot in your routine. Plus, a huge variety of exercises are possible—no personal trainer required.
Hanging Leg Raises — How to Do
Secure your arms in the straps (or use a platform box). Let your legs drape toward the floor and keep your core tight without unnecessary shoulder squeezing. Raise your lower body with legs extended, bending at the hips and lifting toward the bar. Slowly lower back to the hanging position to complete one rep.
✓ Pros
Ideal for abdominal exercises and doesn’t load the back.
✗ Cons
May not accommodate heavier individuals.
12
Exercise Balls
The exercise ball is one of the most underestimated tools in any gym for ab training. It engages your core muscles continuously, and the best part is you can always keep one in your home gym for convenient daily workouts.
Cross Crunches — How to Do
Sit on the ball with your feet flat and spaced apart, positioned between the top and sides. Lean back until you feel your abs engage, then gradually sit up and reach across your body with one arm. Lie back and repeat for the other arm.
✓ Pros
Builds stability and core strength simultaneously.
✗ Cons
Requires constant awareness to avoid losing balance.
13
Cross Trainer
The cross trainer engages your entire body with particular emphasis on the obliques and rectus abdominis. When combined with mindful caloric intake, regular sessions on this machine will visibly reduce body weight and you’ll start noticing changes in no time.
Core Workout — How to Do
Rest one hand on the machine for added pressure and stability. Increase speed to burn more calories and fat. Remember to take breaks at regular intervals to prevent burnout.
✓ Pros
Safe and low-impact on the joints.
✗ Cons
Not the strongest option for pure strength development.
14
Kettlebells
To torch calories and attack love handles with kettlebells, the “kettlebell renegade row” is your go-to movement. It develops stabilization and total-body balance, making it an ideal home gym tool for toning the core, calves, and back.
Kettlebell Renegade Row — How to Do
Get into a plank position with both hands on the kettlebells. Row one kettlebell to your hip, pulling from the elbow. Slowly lower it and hold briefly at the top before switching sides.
✓ Pros
Excellent for grip strength and functional power. Great for strength training.
✗ Cons
Not the most beginner-friendly piece of equipment.
15
Upright Exercise Bike
Upright exercise bikes rank among the best gym machines for burning maximum calories while keeping tabs on your caloric expenditure at the same time.
Crunches — How to Do
No personal trainer needed for this one. Pedal the bike while contracting your abs inward. Sustain it for 45 seconds, then switch to normal pedaling. Bump up the adjustable resistance to intensify the challenge.
✓ Pros
Simple to use and delivers an exceptional workout.
✗ Cons
May cause neck and back discomfort over prolonged use.
Ready to take your core training to the next level?
Total Gym ELEVATE Core ADJ TrainerFactors to Consider When Choosing Equipment for Abs & Love Handles
Fitness Level
Jumping onto a machine that far exceeds your current strength can cause more harm than good. Ab workouts should be approached gradually and without rushing. Beginners need to prioritize equipment that’s gentle on the muscles, and when exploring weight machines, always ensure the difficulty feels manageable and comfortable for you.
Size of the Equipment
Ab machines range from bulky commercial units to compact portable devices. Factor in your lifestyle, available space, and habits. If you prefer working out on the go, a portable option makes more sense. If you have a dedicated room, larger machines can be a worthy investment.
Type of Exercise
For an effective session, you need the right machine for the right movement. Many machines come with versatile features that eliminate the need for a trainer. If you don’t enjoy sit-ups, skip the ab coaster and find something that matches your preferred workout style. Always prioritize safety in your search.
Versatility
Why buy two machines when one can handle both jobs? Many abs machines are remarkably versatile, allowing you to perform various exercise types from a single station. Exercise bikes, for instance, offer far more than just pedaling motions.
Durability & Reliability
Nothing is worse than a machine that breaks down before you’ve gotten your money’s worth. Invest in quality so you can train at full intensity without worrying about damage. Test resistance bands, ankle weights, and overall fit before committing, and always check for a solid warranty policy.
Price
Gym equipment can be a significant investment, and expensive doesn’t always mean better. Research customer reviews before purchasing. For treadmills, look for heavy-duty steel frames with adjustable resistance. Your budget matters, but so does making sure the price reflects genuine quality.
What Else Matters for Losing Love Handles?
Beyond equipment, the other two critical pillars are your diet and your workout regime. In practice, that means establishing a steady and sustainable calorie deficit while fitting in enough aerobic activity and resistance training to keep your metabolism active. When all three pillars work in harmony—smart equipment, clean nutrition, and a consistent routine—those stubborn love handles don’t stand a chance.
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