Ab Crunch Machine vs Cross-Body Crunch

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.

Lie flat on your back and bend your knees about 60 degrees.

Keep your feet flat on the floor and place your hands loosely behind your head. This will be your starting position.

Now curl up and bring your right elbow and shoulder across your body while bring your left knee in toward your left shoulder at the same time. Reach with your elbow and try to touch your knee. Exhale as you perform this movement. Tip: Try to bring your shoulder up towards your knee rather than just your elbow and remember that the key is to contract the abs as you perform the movement; not just to move the elbow.

Now go back down to the starting position as you inhale and repeat with the left elbow and the right knee.

Continue alternating in this manner until all prescribed repetitions are done.