Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Plank
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.
Plank
Get into a prone position on the floor, supporting your weight on your toes and your forearms. Your arms are bent and directly below the shoulder.
Keep your body straight at all times, and hold this position as long as possible. To increase difficulty, an arm or leg can be raised.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Plank is beginner and uses bodyweight. Choose Plank if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge.