If you’re interested in a cable machine ab workout, you’ve come to the right place. Today’s post will go over the benefits of using cables for your ab training, practical exercises you can do, helpful tips, and lots more.
Let’s jump in.
The Benefits of Cable Machine Ab Workouts
Cable machines are fantastic for ab training for three reasons. First, machines allow you to adjust the resistance to fit the strength of your abs perfectly. Second, you can vary the angle of attack and keep your training fresh and engaging. Third, cable machines allow you to pick from numerous fun and effective exercises to train various regions of your midsection.
Using cables is also beneficial because they provide constant tension and promote a superior mind-muscle connection, possibly resulting in more growth and strength gain.
Four Fantastic Ab Exercises You Can Do On a Cable Machine
1. Cable Kneeling Crunches
The cable kneeling crunch is similar to regular crunches on the floor. One difference is that you can leverage a cable machine for additional resistance, allowing you to overload your rectus abdominis muscle.
2. Cable Woodchop
The cable woodchop is a rotational exercise that develops your entire midsection, emphasizing the internal and external obliques. You can perform the movement in many ways, including from a high or low pulley position.
3. Cable Pallof Press
The cable Pallof press is a functional exercise that promotes core stability by forcing you to hold an isometric position. As a bonus, pressing forward strengthens your chest, shoulders, triceps, and serratus anterior. (1)
4. Cable Reverse Crunch
The cable reverse crunch is a less common exercise that strengthens the lower region of the midsection. It works similar to weighted crunches because it emphasizes the rectus abdominis, and you can adjust the resistance as you see fit. (2)
Rules on Sets And Reps For Cable Ab Training
People interested in building up their midsection musculature and becoming more athletic should pick two to three exercises and do them once to twice weekly. You can start with two to three sets per movement and train in the 6 to 15 repetition range.
For instance, you can train your abs on Monday, take a couple of days off, and work them again on Thursday.
Cable Machine Ab Workout Safety
Ab training isn’t as demanding as full-body workouts, but you must still be careful and follow some basic safety rules. First, always start your workouts with a good warm-up. Doing so is necessary to optimize your training performance and reduce injury risk. Start with a few minutes of light cardio, do dynamic stretching (emphasizing the midsection and spine), and proceed with your workout.
When using a cable machine, always ensure everything is in order. The cable should not be worn out, the machine should be sturdy, and the pulleys should work smoothly. Ensure the pin is secure within the weight stack before committing to a set.
Additionally, listen to your body and don’t do any exercises that lead to pain, especially in the lower back. Ab movements are relatively safe, but poor technique can lead to discomfort, increasing the risk of an injury.
Click to read more cable workout articles, and check out our cable exercise videos.
Philip Stefanov
Philip is a fitness writer, blogger, certified personal trainer, and the founder of ThinkingLifter.com. He has spent the last seven years writing fitness content and training men and women in the gym, as well as online. His passion is fitness and exercise, and helping others improve their fitness and wellness.
References
- Karunaharamoorthy, A. (2021, October 28). Serratus anterior muscle. Kenhub. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/serratus-anterior-muscle
Rectus abdominis. Physiopedia. (n.d.).
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Rectus_Abdominis
