Crunch (Arms Straight)
The crunch with the arms held straight and reaching past the knees; the reach guides the curl and spares the neck.
How to do it
Setup
On your back, knees bent, feet flat, arms straight by the thighs, palms down.
Steps
- Curl up and slide the hands forward past the knees.
- Lead with the chest, not the reaching arms.
- Roll back down until the shoulders touch.
Common mistakes
Reaching with the shoulders only: the ribs curl; the arms just follow. Jerking up on momentum: slow and even both ways. Head dropping back between reps: keep the chin lightly tucked.
Breathing
Exhale on the crunch, inhale lowering.
