Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Oblique Crunches - On The Floor
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
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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.
Oblique Crunches - On The Floor
Start out by lying on your right side with your legs lying on top of each other. Make sure your knees are bent a little bit.
Place your left hand behind your head.
Once you are in this set position, begin by moving your left elbow up as you would perform a normal crunch except this time the main emphasis is on your obliques.
Crunch as high as you can, hold the contraction for a second and then slowly drop back down into the starting position.
Remember to breathe in during the eccentric (lowering) part of the exercise and to breathe out during the concentric (elevation) part of the exercise.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Oblique Crunches - On The Floor is beginner and uses bodyweight. Choose Oblique Crunches - On The Floor if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge.