1 / 6Crunch
The basic abs exercise: curling your shoulders off the floor trains the front of the stomach without any equipment.
Core
- Level
- Beginner
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Main muscle
- Core
- Also works
- —
- Beginner sets
- 3 × 10–15
- Rest
- 45 seconds
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See the app · coming soonHow to do it
- 1Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat.
- 2Place your hands lightly behind your head.
- 3Curl your shoulders off the floor by tightening your abs.
- 4Lower back down slowly.
Common mistakes
- Pulling on your neck with your hands
- Coming all the way up like a sit-up
- Rushing through the reps
Tips
- Keep your hands light behind your head
- Lift only your shoulders and squeeze for a second
- Breathe out as you curl up
Questions
Will crunches give me a six-pack?
They strengthen the abs, but seeing them depends on body fat, which comes down with diet and overall activity.
Are crunches bad for the back?
Done slowly with a small range, they're fine for most people. If your back hurts, try planks or dead bugs instead.
More Core exercises
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