Cable Crunch vs Abdominal Machine
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Abdominal Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Cable Crunch and Abdominal Machine and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Crunch vs Abdominal Machine: 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 2,520 for Cable Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Crunch and Abdominal Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Crunch and Abdominal Machine Differ
| What differs | Cable Crunch | Abdominal Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | pin-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,520 sessions | 3,872 sessions |
How to Do Cable Crunch
Cable Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please bend your upper body so that your abdominal muscles can contract.
- 2. Imagine that your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you choose a weight that is too heavy, it will be difficult to control the exercise, so please select an appropriate weight.
For a full Cable Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Crunch exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Crunch or Abdominal Machine?
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 Cable Crunch and Abdominal Machine need?
Cable Crunch needs a machine, and Abdominal Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Abdominal Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Crunch once your form holds up.
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