Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Crunch - Hands Overhead
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.
Crunch - Hands Overhead
Lie on the floor with your back flat and knees bent with around a 60-degree angle between the hamstrings and the calves.
Keep your feet flat on the floor and stretch your arms overhead with your palms crossed. This will be your starting position.
Curl your upper body forward and bring your shoulder blades just off the floor. At all times, keep your arms aligned with your head, neck and shoulder. Don't move them forward from that position. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and hold the contraction for a second.
Slowly lower down to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Crunch - Hands Overhead is beginner and uses bodyweight. Choose Crunch - Hands Overhead if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge.