Ab Crunch Machine vs One-Arm High-Pulley Cable Side Bends

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 to a tower. Move cable to highest pulley position.

Stand with side to cable. With one hand, reach up and grab handle with underhand grip.

Pull down cable until elbow touches your side and the handle is by your shoulder.

Position feet hip-width apart. Place free hand on hip to help gauge pivot point.

Keep arm in static position. Contract oblique to bring the weight down in a side crunch.

Once you reach maximum contraction, slowly release the weight to the starting position. The weight stack should never be unloaded in a resting position. The aim is constant tension during the set.

Repeat to failure.

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