Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees
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Muscle Analysis
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Only in Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees
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.
Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees
Hold an Olympic barbell loaded with 5-10lbs on each side and kneel on the floor.
Now place the barbell 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.
Slowly roll the barbell 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.
After a second 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.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees is expert and uses barbell. Choose Ab Crunch Machine if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees for a greater challenge. Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Ab Crunch Machine isolates the target muscle for focused development.