Ab Crunch Machine vs Cable Russian Twists

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.

Connect a standard handle attachment, and position the cable to a middle pulley position.

Lie on a stability ball perpendicular to the cable and grab the handle with one hand. You should be approximately arm's length away from the pulley, with the tension of the weight on the cable.

Grab the handle with both hands and fully extend your arms above your chest. You hands should be directly in-line with the pulley. If not, adjust the pulley up or down until they are.

Keep your hips elevated and abs engaged. Rotate your torso away from the pulley for a full-quarter rotation. Your body should be flat from head to knees.

Pause for a moment and in a slow and controlled manner reset to the starting position. You should still have side tension on the cable in the resting position.

Repeat the same movement to failure.

Then, reposition and repeat the same series of movements on the opposite side.