Exercise Comparison
Ab Crunch Machine vs Standing Lateral Stretch
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.
Standing Lateral Stretch
Take a slightly wider than hip distance stance with your knees slightly bent.
Place your right hand on your right hip to support the spine.
Raise your left arm in a vertical line and place your left hand behind your head. Keep it there as you incline your torso to the right.
Keep your weight evenly distributed between both legs (don't lean into your left hip). Switch sides.
Verdict
Both exercises target the abdominals. Ab Crunch Machine is a intermediate exercise using machine, while Standing Lateral Stretch is beginner and uses none. Choose Standing Lateral Stretch if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Ab Crunch Machine for a greater challenge.