So today I was at Fitness First Randwick to complete some of the practical parts of my Certificate III in Fitness. The mentor took me around the gym and showed me the various resistance training equipment, you know, the usual bench, barbells, dumbbells and machines. Then she confirmed what I suspected all along - ab crunch machines suck. We were in a hurry, so without going into detail, she said, "don't use them".
I was never a big fan of crunches. The main reason is that they isolate the rectus abdominis (yes, the six-pack muscle), but ignore other important core muscles. When was the last time you performed a crunch movement in real life anyway?
The ab crunch machine brings the sux level up several notches. Bodyweight crunches are not that great, but at least they are safe. On the other hand, ab crunch machines have limited adjustability so more than likely you will be forced to perform your crunches in an anatomically unnatural position, with your lower back not supported well. Add weight to the equation and you have a recipe for disaster. So boys and girls, spread the message - ab crunch machines, don't use them.
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