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Last updated February 2, 2026
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abs

Crunch - Kneeling (Cable)

Kneel facing the cable tower holding a rope behind your neck. Crunch your body down, trying to touch your elbows to your thighs. Use your abs, not your hips.

Quick facts

Difficulty
Easy
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Pull
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Low
Hypertrophy
Low
Calorie Burn
Medium

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

abs

Secondary

deep abs / core

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

cable

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Kneeling

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Attach a rope or handle to the high pulley of a cable machine.
    • Kneel on the floor facing the machine, ensuring that your knees are comfortable and stable.
  2. Step 2Grab the Handle
    • Reach up to grab the handle or rope with both hands, keeping your arms extended above your head.
    • Ensure that your grip is firm and your elbows are slightly bent.
  3. Step 3Position Your Body
    • Kneel with your hips slightly forward and your core engaged to stabilize your body.
    • Keep your back straight and avoid arching or rounding your spine.
  4. Step 4Engage Your Core
    • Tighten your abdominal muscles as you prepare to perform the crunch.
    • Focus on maintaining a neutral spine and avoiding any excessive movement in your lower back.
  5. Step 5Perform the Crunch
    • Pull the handle down towards your knees by contracting your abs, curling your torso forward.
    • Keep your hips and knees stationary while focusing on using your core to initiate the movement.
  6. Step 6Return to Start
    • Slowly return to the starting position by extending your torso back to the original kneeling position.
    • Maintain control throughout the movement to avoid using momentum.
  7. Step 7Repeat
    • Repeat the crunch for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring that your form remains consistent.
  8. Step 8Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully release the handle and stand up if necessary.
    • Make sure to maintain good posture as you finish the exercise.
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025