Crunch (Hands Overhead)
The crunch with the arms stretched overhead beside the ears; the longer lever makes the same short curl harder.
How to do it
Setup
On your back, knees bent, feet flat, arms straight overhead with the biceps by the ears.
Steps
- Curl the ribs toward the hips, the arms rising with the head.
- Keep the arms locked beside the ears.
- Lower under control until the hands touch the floor.
Common mistakes
Arms swinging forward to throw you up: they stay pinned by the ears. Lower back arching as the arms go back: press it down before each rep. Sitting too far up: stop at the ribs' curl.
Breathing
Exhale on the crunch, inhale lowering.
