- The normal ab crunch can be difficult when seated on the floor. The Total Gym provides a padded bench to make it more comfortable. The bench glides up and down with the natural movement of performing the ab crunch. This makes it easier to perform the exercise. You can adjust the level of the bench to provide more or less difficulty. This exercise is performed by placing your back flat against the bench with your hands behind your ears or crossed on your chest. Slowly push your shoulders up, but not higher than 6 to 8 inches off the ground. Then slowly move back down to the ground. That is one set.
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The oblique twister works your entire mid section, which is rare for an abdominal exercise. Most focus on one core part of the ab section. Place the sliding bench at an angle you are comfortable with. The exercise is performed by sitting sideways on the bench just as if it was a regular seat with your legs off the edge. Grab the rope handles with both hands from the side, and twist your mid section slowly while pulling with both hands. This will slide the bench up and down.
As you slide, the handles should be in both hands opposite of which direction the bench is sliding. When the bench slides up, twist to where your hands are toward the bottom of the bench. When you slide down, twist to have your hands at the top side of the bench. - The Total Gym helps you perform the sit-up without as much stress on the back. Place the board at an incline. Place your feet at the top of the incline with your ankles placed in holders to keep you in place. Your body should be positioned with your legs angled higher than your head. The amount of incline will be selected by you depending on tolerance and ability. Cross your hands over your chest, and lift your entire upper torso up until your back is completely off the bench. As you lift up, the bench will slide.
