Expert Rating

72

Looking to improve your core strength? Not sure where to start? Certainly not with any bizarre exercise equipment that needs a degree to understand, let alone use. No, you need something simple. In that case, the best ab machine might be the CAP Barbell. It targets your core with crunches, which is as simple as you can get. But wait… Is it the best exercise equipment for fitness enthusiasts? Read on to find out more.

Related: In case you are shopping for ankle weights, read the Balancefrom Gofit Fully Adjustable Weights review

Why We Like It – CAP Barbell

For a more traditional way of doing things, this ab roller is simple in design, but effective in purpose. Designed to keep you steady as you perform crunches, sit-ups and push-ups—for any skill level.

Pros
  • For any skill level
  • Durable and sturdy construction
  • Asks for a handful of minutes a day
Cons
  • Limited exercise methods
  • Doesn’t fold

Related: Check out our Core Max Abs review

Performance

The CAP Barbell does a fine job creating enough resistance to strengthen the core and, over time, show the desired results. It isn’t putting you in strange positions or performing awkward routines. It focuses on one area: your core. It acts as a center knurl for your crunches and sit-ups, and push-ups. However, you’re limited to what you can do, unlike a home gym. The CAP Barbell isn’t doing anything new, nor reinventing the wheel. If any workout machine is doing that, the Star Uno Ab Machine is; it may look simple, but there’s far more to do.

Design

The CAP Barbell is designed in a way that adds resistance to your exercise methods. It’s curved, with thin cushioning on the bars and a soft, comfortable headrest. The CAP Barbell is made of steel, giving it a sturdy and durable construction. It will not fold, however. This is unfortunate because its shape isn’t the easiest to store, though individuals with the Ab Doer 360 have it far worse. Lastly, its simple shape doesn’t provide a lot of routines to perform.

Value

The CAP Barbell doesn’t offer much but one simple purpose: strengthening your core. Does it work? Yes, absolutely. Is it worth having? Only if you invest in exercise equipment to compliment it, like an N1Fit AB Roller or a black oxide power bar like the Cap OB Barbell. More importantly, anyone with any amount of skill can use it—so, it’s especially good for beginners, even ones who have only a few minutes a day to invest in core exercising. And if it ends up collecting dust, it was only $30.

CAP Barbell Wrap Up

The CAP Barbell doesn’t reinvent the wheel—but it doesn’t have to. It’s meant to be a durable crunch barbell to further improve the way your body responds to core strength exercises. It’s simple in design, yes, but that only lends a helping hand to inexperienced individuals. All you need is a few minutes a day and, over time, you’ll see results.

Brady Meyers Avatar