Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Bent Press
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Bent Press
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 Press
Clean a kettlebell to your shoulder. Clean the kettlebell to your shoulders by extending through the legs and hips as you raise the kettlebell towards your shoulder. The wrist should rotate as you do so. This will be your starting position.
Begin my leaning to the side opposite the kettlebell, continuing until you are able to touch the ground with your free hand, keeping your eyes on the kettlebell. As you do so, press the weight vertically be extending through the elbow, keeping your arm perpendicular to the ground.
Return to an upright position, with the kettlebell above your head. Return the kettlebell to the shoulder and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Bent Press is expert and uses kettlebells. Choose Ab Crunch Machine if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Bent Press for a greater challenge. Bent Press is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Ab Crunch Machine isolates the target muscle for focused development.