Your ab strain, could well be from pulling down before your first Rep. Many multi machines, Lat pulldown etc, have a very high start position, thus its quite a strain to actually get in position to start.
The multi machine i use is approx 5 feet from the ground at the start. Actually the "v" Bar touches my chin, so when im going heavy says 6-8 reps maybe 50-55 kg its a strain to get in position to start and a few months ago i pulled my abs doing this.
Answer. if your Gym has "steps" bulid up the blocks, where you would normally stand, getting yourself up higher takes the initial strain from starting.
Once you are "locked" in place, lean slightly forward, your Nose should nearly touch the Cable ! Isolatiing just the Triceps and not straining the Neck or the Abs.
hope this helps joost
