Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Sledgehammer Swings
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Sledgehammer Swings
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.
Sledgehammer Swings
You will need a tire and a sledgehammer for this exercise. Stand in front of the tire about two feet away from it with a staggered stance. Grip the sledgehammer.
If you are right handed, your left hand should be at the bottom of the handle, and your right hand should be choking up closer to the head.
As you bring the sledge up, your right hand slides toward the head; as you swing down, your right hand will slide down to join your left hand. Slam it down as hard as you can against the tire. Control the bounce of the hammer off of the tire.
Repeat on the other side.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Sledgehammer Swings is beginner and uses other. Choose Sledgehammer Swings if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge. Sledgehammer Swings is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Ab Crunch Machine isolates the target muscle for focused development.