Lever Seated Crunch (chest pad)
The Lever Seated Crunch (chest pad) primarily works the Rectus Abdominis, with secondary activation of the External Obliques. It is a machine isolation exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Lever Seated Crunch (chest pad) is an beginner isolation exercise performed with machine, following a flexion movement pattern. It primarily targets the Rectus Abdominis, with secondary engagement of the External Obliques. This is a bilateral pushing movement, meaning both sides work together to generate force.
A machine isolation push exercise targeting the Rectus Abdominis.
| Equipment | Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Isolation |
| Movement | Flexion |
| Force | Push |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Rectus Abdominis |
| Secondary | External Obliques |
Muscles Worked
The Rectus Abdominis is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The External Obliques assists as a secondary mover, contributing to force production without bearing the primary load.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Rectus Abdominis (core)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle External Obliques (core)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Position seat so chest is same height of padded lever.
- Sit on machine with back of hips against hip pad.
- Place hands on outside of lever pad.
Execution
- With hips stationary, flex waist in "C" shape so shoulders travel forward and downward.
- Return and repeat.
Comments
- On some models, feet can be positioned behind pad under seat.
- SeeSpot Reduction Myth.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Control the eccentric phase — the lowering portion drives significant muscle development.
- Avoid momentum; focus on feeling the target muscle work through the full range.
- Full range at both ends maximizes stretch at the bottom and contraction at the top.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| Strength | 3–4 sets × 6–8 reps at 75–85% 1RM with 90–120 seconds rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 sets × 10–15 reps at 60–75% 1RM with 60–90 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–3 sets × 15–25 reps at 40–60% 1RM with 30–45 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Rectus Abdominis) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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