Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Air Bike




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
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Instructions
Ab Crunch Machine
Select a light resistance and sit down on the ab machine placing your feet under the pads provided and grabbing the top handles. Your arms should be bent at a 90 degree angle as you rest the triceps on the pads provided. This will be your starting position.
At the same time, begin to lift the legs up as you crunch your upper torso. Breathe out as you perform this movement. Tip: Be sure to use a slow and controlled motion. Concentrate on using your abs to move the weight while relaxing your legs and feet.
After a second pause, slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Air Bike
Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. For this exercise, you will need to put your hands beside your head. Be careful however to not strain with the neck as you perform it. Now lift your shoulders into the crunch position.
Bring knees up to where they are perpendicular to the floor, with your lower legs parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position.
Now simultaneously, slowly go through a cycle pedal motion kicking forward with the right leg and bringing in the knee of the left leg. Bring your right elbow close to your left knee by crunching to the side, as you breathe out.
Go back to the initial position as you breathe in.
Crunch to the opposite side as you cycle your legs and bring closer your left elbow to your right knee and exhale.
Continue alternating in this manner until all of the recommended repetitions for each side have been completed.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Air Bike is beginner and uses bodyweight. Choose Air Bike if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge. Air Bike is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Ab Crunch Machine isolates the target muscle for focused development.