Abdominal Machine vs Full Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions vs 341. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Abdominal Machine and Full Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Abdominal Machine vs Full Plank: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions compared to 341 for Full Plank.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Abdominal Machine and Full Plank differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Abdominal Machine and Full Plank Differ
| What differs | Abdominal Machine | Full Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, chest, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,872 sessions | 341 sessions |
How to Do Abdominal Machine
Abdominal Machine Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your buttocks pressed against the edge of the chair, holding the armrests and opening your chest.
- 2. With your abdomen engaged, curl your upper body as if your knees are touching your chest.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your abdomen tense.
Coach's Tips
- When using the equipment, do not set the weight too high, and use your abdominal muscles to move.
For a full Abdominal Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Abdominal Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Full Plank
Full Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Extend your elbows and maintain a position where your shoulders and arms are vertical, keeping your feet narrower than shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Imagine there is a long stick behind your back and align your head, waist, hips, and legs in a straight line.
- 3. Raise your toes, engage your core and glutes, and hold the position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your body in a straight line and be careful not to let your back sag.
For a full Full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Full Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Abdominal Machine or Full Plank?
Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions against 341 for Full Plank. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Abdominal Machine and Full Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Abdominal Machine loads abs, and Full Plank loads abs, chest, and glutes.
What equipment do Abdominal Machine and Full Plank need?
Abdominal Machine needs a machine, and Full Plank needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Abdominal Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Full Plank once your form holds up.
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