Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Bent-Knee Hip Raise
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
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.
Bent-Knee Hip Raise
Lay flat on the floor with your arms next to your sides.
Now bend your knees at around a 75 degree angle and lift your feet off the floor by around 2 inches.
Using your lower abs, bring your knees in towards you as you maintain the 75 degree angle bend in your legs. Continue this movement until you raise your hips off of the floor by rolling your pelvis backward. Breathe out as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: At the end of the movement your knees will be over your chest.
Squeeze your abs at the top of the movement for a second and then return to the starting position slowly as you breathe in. Tip: Maintain a controlled motion at all times.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Bent-Knee Hip Raise is beginner and uses bodyweight. Choose Bent-Knee Hip Raise if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge. Bent-Knee Hip Raise is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Ab Crunch Machine isolates the target muscle for focused development.