#Cable crunch how to

The amount of flexion range required to do a reverse crunch is lesser as compared to when doing cable crunches or even traditional crunches. Studies have shown that decreasing the amount of lumbar flexion when doing crunches reduces the stress on the intervertebral discs. Strengthening the core muscles thus helps stabilize the spine and spares it from excessive load. The core muscles help transfer loads from the upper to the lower body, and vice versa. The cable also keeps the abdominal muscles under constant tension which allows the muscles to work all throughout the range of motion.Ī cable crunch, as with a traditional crunch, enhances core strength and targets the rectus abdominis muscle while also recruiting the obliques. Using cable machines to do crunches permits the individual to adjust the weight according to their needs in order to gradually progress the exercise.

As a result, the muscles adapt by synthesizing more of the contractile elements of a muscle, thus making it stronger to be able to handle the added stress. Overloading is putting greater stress on the muscle more than it is used to.

It allows for an increase in resistance which enables the individual to overload a muscle. The available alternative exercises for the cable crunch include exercises that may be done with or without the use of added weights or equipment.ĭoing crunches on a cable machine offers several benefits over doing them on the floor.

#Cable crunch how to

Learning how to properly perform a cable crunch is essential in understanding how alternative exercises are able to provide similar benefits. Alternative exercises such as the weighted crunch, reverse crunch, and the BOSU crunch also add variety to workout routines. Many of these alternatives may be done without the use of equipment and are thus useful when working out anywhere. However, there are multiple other exercises that provide the same benefits as that of the cable crunch, albeit without the use of a cable machine.Īlternatives to the cable crunch are exercises that engage the core with particular attention to the abdominals. The cable crunch is one such exercise that primarily works the rectus abdominis muscle which functions to flex the trunk.

Slowly lower your legs down and repeat the movement.Exercises that target the abdominal muscles have long been popular due to the aesthetic definition they provide in order to gain what is commonly known as the six-pack abs.

With your knees bent slightly, lift both feet up until your upper legs are in line to the ground.

Go up on a dip stand or captain’s chair, so your back is against the padding and your arms supporting your body weight.

Also, if you’re using a bar, assure that you won’t rock back and forth! How to do it It’s better if you have a straight, upright posture or lean forward slightly to prevent rounding your spine. Keep your core tight always to effectively activate your muscles and avoid arching your back.

When doing hanging leg raises, don’t swing or use momentum. With this alternative to a cable crunch exercise, you raise your entire lower body, which is around forty percent of your body weight. However, this only represents a small percentage of your total body weight. When performing crunches, you only need to lift your head and shoulders off the floor.