Kneeling Cable Crunches Question

are cable crunches an effective ab isolation workout? i tried them today and they burned like a bitch, and i got some twisting variations in there for the obliques
should i just stick to going up and straight down or is it good to throw the twists in there?

I use them pretty regularly, I a weight and set/rep scheme that would be similar to any other muscle group.

Twist if you want to, but I can think of better stuff for obliques. Like heavy ass side bends or suitcase deadlifts.

Wait, how are you holding the cables? There’s a strong possibility you’re not truly isolating your “abs”. You may indeed be using some shoulder muscles. Good chance your hips are flexed to hold your body in place.

I say FAIL. Try again.