Crunches

This is the most common abdominal exercise and possibly the most often improperly performed. Here is how to perform it correctly.

Steps

1. Lie on your back with your feet up on a bench and your knees bent at a 90 degree angle.
2. Place your hands across your chest or behind your head.
3. Raise your head, shoulders and chest off the floor and towards your knees, crunching your abs. Try to keep your neck in a neutral position.
4. Hold the position for a moment and then lower to the starting position.

Note: Keep your hips straight and your lower back against the floor during this exercise.

Target Muscles: Abdominals