Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Seated Barbell Twist




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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.
Seated Barbell Twist
Start out by sitting at the end of a flat bench with a barbell placed on top of your thighs. Your feet should be shoulder width apart from each other.
Grip the bar with your palms facing down and make sure your hands are wider than shoulder width apart from each other. Begin to lift the barbell up over your head until your arms are fully extended.
Now lower the barbell behind your head until it is resting along the base of your neck. This is the starting position.
While keeping your feet and head stationary, move your waist from side to side so that your oblique muscles feel the contraction. Only move from side to side as far as your waist will allow you to go. Stretching or moving too far can cause an injury to occur. Tip: Use a slow and controlled motion.
Remember to breathe out while twisting your body to the side and in when moving back 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 Seated Barbell Twist is beginner and uses barbell. Choose Seated Barbell Twist if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge.