Abdominal Machine vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Abdominal Machine and Heel Touch Crunch are close in use — 6,346 vs 3,872 sessions logged. What separates them is Core loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Abdominal Machine and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Abdominal Machine vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions compared to 3,872 for Abdominal Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Abdominal Machine and Heel Touch Crunch 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 Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Abdominal Machine | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,872 sessions | 6,346 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 Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Abdominal Machine or Heel Touch Crunch?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Core, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Abdominal Machine and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Abdominal Machine needs a machine, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
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