Abdominal Machine vs Hollow
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions vs 426. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Abdominal Machine and Hollow and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Abdominal Machine vs Hollow: 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 426 for Hollow.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Abdominal Machine and Hollow 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 Hollow Differ
| What differs | Abdominal Machine | Hollow |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and quads |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,872 sessions | 426 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 Hollow
Hollow Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your upper body while keeping your feet off the ground.
- 2. Hold while engaging your core.
Coach's Tips
- In the holding position, only your hips should be touching the ground.
For a full Hollow guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hollow exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Abdominal Machine or Hollow?
Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions against 426 for Hollow. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Abdominal Machine and Hollow work the same muscles?
Not quite. Abdominal Machine loads abs, and Hollow loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Abdominal Machine and Hollow need?
Abdominal Machine needs a machine, and Hollow needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Abdominal Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Hollow once your form holds up.
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