Crunch (Arms on Chest)
The floor crunch with the arms crossed on the chest; with nothing behind the head to pull on, the neck stays out of it.
How to do it
Setup
On your back, knees bent, feet flat, arms crossed on the chest, hands on the shoulders.
Steps
- Curl the shoulder blades off the floor, ribs toward the hips.
- Keep the chin a fist away from the chest.
- Lower slowly until the shoulders touch down.
Common mistakes
Arms coming off the chest to swing: keep them crossed and still. Chin jammed to the chest: leave a fist of space. Lower back lifting at the top: short curl, the waist stays down.
Breathing
Exhale on the crunch, inhale lowering.
