Machine crunch
- Basic
- Machine
Round the spine; don't push with the arms
Muscles worked
- Primary:
- Core
How to do it
- Set the machine and grab the handles with the chest against the pad.
- Curl the trunk forward by contracting the abs.
- Return under control without releasing the tension.
Common mistakes
- Pulling with the arms instead of the abs.
- Letting the weight drop on the way back.
Tips
- Pick a load that lets you fully round your spine.
- Control the return phase especially.