Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs One-Arm Medicine Ball Slam
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in One-Arm Medicine Ball Slam
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.
One-Arm Medicine Ball Slam
Start in a standing position with a staggered, athletic stance. Hold a medicine ball in one hand, on the same side as your back leg. This will be your starting position.
Begin by winding the arm, raising the medicine ball above your head. As you do so, extend through the hips, knees, and ankles to load up for the slam.
At peak extension, flex the shoulders, spine, and hips to throw the ball hard into the ground directly in front of you.
Catch the ball on the bounce and continue for the desired number of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while One-Arm Medicine Ball Slam is beginner and uses medicine ball. Choose One-Arm Medicine Ball Slam if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge. One-Arm Medicine Ball Slam is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Ab Crunch Machine isolates the target muscle for focused development.