Ab Crunch Machine

Technique

Sit in the machine and grip the handles or place your arms on the pads, adjusting the seat so the pivot aligns with your torso. Curl your torso forward by contracting your abs, pulling against the resistance. Squeeze at the bottom of the movement without using momentum. Return slowly to the starting position, keeping tension on the abs.

Steps

1. Adjust the seat so the machine pivot aligns with your torso.
2. Grip the handles or position your arms securely on the pads.
3. Brace your core and curl your torso forward against the resistance.
4. Squeeze your abs briefly at the bottom.
5. Return slowly while maintaining tension on your abs.

Common mistakes

• Pulling primarily with the arms instead of curling the torso
• Using momentum to force the machine forward
• Rounding only the neck instead of flexing through the torso
• Letting the weight stack slam down between repetitions

Variations

• Plate-loaded ab crunch machine
• Selectorized ab crunch machine
• Kneeling cable crunch
• Resistance-band seated crunch

FAQ