Reverse Crunch

How to Reverse Crunch

You Should Feel This: Abs

Exercise Families: Trunk Flexion

Equipment: Yoga Mat

Trainer: Ashley Steele

Steps:

1. Lie on the floor with the hands behind the head, legs fully extended with the heels 3-5 inches off the ground.

2. Tighten the core to curl the hips toward the trunk. Allow the knees to bend and shoulder blades to slightly lift off the floor. Hold briefly.

3. Uncurl the hips and torso. Keep the abs tight, push the hips in front of you, straighten the knees, and lower the shoulder blades toward the floor.

4. Pause briefly, and repeat the reverse crunches for the specified amount of repetitions.

5. Performing a reverse crunch too rapidly will recruit your hip flexors more and engage your core muscles less. Get the most out of this exercise by moving slowly, focusing primarily on trying to make your abs pull your hips toward your rib cage, drawing the two segments together.

6. You should feel this working the abs, core, and hip flexor muscles.
   

Alternative Exercises:

Reverse Crunch • Crunch