A machine, apparatus, and method for targeting the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The abdominal exercise system includes a frame, carriage, and an upper body support. In one embodiment, the user places at least a portion of their lower body on the carriage. The user leans their forearms and elbows against an angled upper body support while grasping a set of handles to secure the user's upper body. In turn, the user swings the carriage back and forth along an arcuate path beginning at a position behind the upper body support and ending at a position in front of the upper support, thereby contracting and relaxing the abdominal muscle group.