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Ab Wheel Rollout

PullCompoundRoue abdominaleIntermediate
Ab Wheel Rollout — Starting positionAb Wheel Rollout — End position

Muscles worked

Front
Back
AbdominalsShoulders

Instructions

  1. 1Hold the Ab Roller with both hands and kneel on the floor.
  2. 2Now place the ab roller on the floor in front of you so that you are on all your hands and knees (as in a kneeling push up position). This will be your starting position.
  3. 3Slowly roll the ab roller straight forward, stretching your body into a straight position. Tip: Go down as far as you can without touching the floor with your body. Breathe in during this portion of the movement.
  4. 4After a pause at the stretched position, start pulling yourself back to the starting position as you breathe out. Tip: Go slowly and keep your abs tight at all times.

About Ab Wheel Rollout

The ab wheel rollout is a demanding compound movement that loads the abs under anti-extension tension throughout the roll-out. The shoulders assist as stabilizers. It suits intermediate lifters who can already hold a rock-solid plank.

check_circleBenefits

  • check_circleIntensely strengthens the deep abs by resisting lumbar extension
  • check_circleBuilds trunk stability that carries over to squats and deadlifts
  • check_circleRecruits the shoulders and lats as upper-body stabilizers

lightbulbExecution tips

  • lightbulbKeep a slight posterior pelvic tilt and abs braced from start to finish
  • lightbulbRoll out only as far as you can without arching the lower back
  • lightbulbPull back by contracting the abs, not by yanking with the arms
  • lightbulbMaster the kneeling version before attempting the standing rollout

warningCommon mistakes

  • warningArching the lower back at full extension, which strains the lumbar spine
  • warningRolling out too far too soon out of overconfidence
  • warningPulling with the shoulders and hips instead of the core
  • warningLetting the pelvis sag instead of keeping it tucked

helpFrequently asked questions

Is the ab wheel suitable for beginners?expand_more

Not really: you should hold a strict plank first. Start with partial kneeling rollouts.

How many reps should I do?expand_more

Aim for 3 sets of 6 to 12 controlled reps, prioritizing quality over range.

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