The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Cable Crunch
Cable Crunch is a beginner-friendly core exercise performed with a cable station.
The equipment listed for this variation.
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Core
No secondary muscle group is listed for this variation.
Strength
Movement pattern: core. This is an isolation exercise.
Beginner
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
How to do Cable Crunch
- Kneel below a high pulley that contains a rope attachment.
- Grasp cable rope attachment and lower the rope until your hands are placed next to your face.
- Flex your hips slightly and allow the weight to hyperextend the lower back. This will be your starting position.
- With the hips stationary, flex the waist as you contract the abs so that the elbows travel towards the middle of the thighs. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and hold the contraction for a second.
- Slowly return to the starting position as you inhale. Tip: Make sure that you keep constant tension on the abs throughout the movement. Also, do not choose a weight so heavy that the lower back handles the brunt of the work.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations
Alternatives
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
Core Workout
A direct core session built around control, trunk stiffness, and consistent tension.
View workoutBeginner Gym Workout
A beginner-friendly gym session built around stable machines and simple cable patterns.
View workout30-Minute Fat Loss Workout
A shorter full-body session designed to keep you moving and make consistency easier on busy days.
View workoutMore exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Ab Crunch Machine
Ab Crunch Machine is an intermediate-level core exercise performed with a resistance machine.
View exerciseCable Russian Twists
Cable Russian Twists is a beginner-friendly core exercise performed with a cable station.
View exercisePlank
Plank is a beginner-friendly core exercise using body weight.
View exerciseSeated Barbell Twist
Seated Barbell Twist is a beginner-friendly core exercise performed with a barbell.
View exerciseRelated calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
Common questions about Cable Crunch.
What muscles does Cable Crunch work?
Cable Crunch primarily trains the core.
Is Cable Crunch beginner-friendly?
Yes. It is listed as beginner-friendly.
What equipment do I need for Cable Crunch?
This variation uses a cable station.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.