Machine Crunch

Seated against the pads, curl the ribs toward the pelvis against a set weight.

Machine Crunch, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Seated, chest or shoulders against the pads, feet hooked.

Steps

  1. Curl the ribs toward the pelvis against the weight.
  2. Squeeze at the full curl.
  3. Return until the abs stretch, no stack rest.

Common mistakes

Pulling with the arms on the pads: they only rest there. Hips lifting into the curl: seated stays seated. Racing: slow curls beat heavy jerks.

Breathing

Exhale on the crunch, inhale returning.