Crunch Machine

Crunch machines may vary from gym to gym. This example is for an upright, seated crunch machine

Teaching points

• Sit in the seat with your back against the back rest
  
  
• Fix the feet under the rollers / pads at the bottom
  
  
• Pull the top roller back until it is against your chest
  
  
• Either hang your arms over the top of the roller or cross them in front of it
  
  
• Use your chest (not the arms!) to push the roller towards your knees
  
  
• Slowly return towards the starting position. Stop just before you get there and repeat the exercise

Muscles worked

• Rectus Abdominus

Alternative exercises

• Crunch
  
  
• Crunch on a swiss ball
  
  
• Crunch using a resistance band

Related injuries

• Abdominal strain
  
  
• Lower back pain