Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Flat Bench Leg Pull-In
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.
Flat Bench Leg Pull-In
Lie on an exercise mat or a flat bench with your legs off the end.
Place your hands either under your glutes with your palms down or by the sides holding on to the bench (or with palms down by the side on an exercise mat). Also extend your legs straight out. This will be your starting position.
Bend your knees and pull your upper thighs into your midsection as you breathe out. Continue this movement until your knees are near your chest. Hold the contracted position for a second.
As you breathe in, slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Flat Bench Leg Pull-In is beginner and uses bodyweight. Choose Flat Bench Leg Pull-In if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge. Flat Bench Leg Pull-In is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Ab Crunch Machine isolates the target muscle for focused development.