Exercise guide · Core & Abs

Machine Abdominal Crunch

The Abdominal Crunch (Machine) is a seated, resistance-loaded trunk-flexion exercise. The padded fixed-path machine distinguishes it from a floor crunch and from a kneeling cable crunch using a rope.

Targets: Core
Equipment: Machine
Type: Isolation

Step by step

How to do the Machine Abdominal Crunch

Adjust the seat and pads so the machine pivot matches your trunk, then select a conservative load and secure your feet and hands as directed.
Sit firmly against the pad, brace the abdomen, and begin from a comfortable upright position without pulling with the arms.
Curl the ribs toward the pelvis by contracting the abdominals while the machine pads move through their intended path.
Pause briefly in the shortened position without collapsing the neck or using momentum.
Return slowly until the trunk is upright and the abdominal wall remains engaged, then repeat without letting the weight stack slam.

Form cues

Curl ribs toward pelvis
Move with the abdominals
Keep the neck relaxed
Control the weight stack

Common mistakes

Pulling forcefully with the arms instead of flexing the trunk
Bending mainly at the hips while the torso stays rigid
Using momentum or allowing the stack to slam
Forcing an excessive rounded range through the neck or lower back

Muscles worked

Primary

Core

Secondary

None significant

Safety: Follow the specific machine placard because pad and handle designs vary. Use a comfortable range and stop for sharp back, neck, hip, or abdominal pain.

Alternatives

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