Crunch
How to do it
Starting position
- Lie on the mat, bend your knees, and plant your feet on the floor
- Set your feet hip-width apart and cross your arms over your chest
- Look toward the ceiling and lightly tuck your chin
Movement
- Engage your abs and curl your upper body up
- With your upper body raised, give your abs a brief squeeze
- Slowly return to the starting position
Breathing
Exhale as you raise your upper body and inhale as you lower it
Trainer tips
- Curl your ribs toward your pelvis
- Keep your lower back pressed against the floor as you come up
- Exhale and squeeze your abs
Cautions
- Raising your upper body too high strains your lower back, so only lift slightly
- Pulling on the neck with the hands
- Lifting all the way up through the lower back, turning it into a sit-up
- Coming up quickly with momentum
If you feel pain during the exercise, stop. If it continues, talk to a professional.
Exercise info
| Primary muscles | |
|---|---|
| Equipment | |
| Movement pattern | Core |
| Rep range | 12–20 reps |
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Representative exercise: Crunch
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- Dumbbell Overhead Crunch (on Stability Ball)
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Related exercises
Decline Sit-UpHarder45° Lean Back Alternate Knee RaiseHarderResistance Band Lying Leg RaiseSimilar exerciseAb Machine CrunchSimilar exerciseStability Ball RolloutSimilar exerciseDumbbell Overhead Sit-upSame muscle · different equipmentMachine Lying CrunchSame muscle · different equipmentBarbell RolloutSame muscle · different equipmentBand Kneeling CrunchSame muscle · different equipment
This information is based on our analysis of public content from evidence-based training experts in Korea and abroad. It is not a substitute for medical advice.
Weights and sets differ from person to person. The GYMKC app uses the sets you log to calculate the weight and reps for your next set.