Crunches – how to do it right
On your back, knees bent, lift shoulders slightly.
This is how Stickfreed, our glowing stick figure, shows you the exercise on your TV – here the start, middle and end position. In the app he turns slowly so you can see everything.
How to do it
- Feet flat and knees bent.
- Lift your shoulders a little – lower back stays down.
- Don’t pull your chin to your chest.
How long?
40–45 seconds at a steady pace: slow on the way down, strong on the way up. 2–4 rounds.
If something niggles
Don’t fancy the floor? Then do Forearm plank instead – BLOX swaps it automatically if you mention it at the start. Stop if it hurts; if you have complaints or pre-existing conditions, check with a doctor or physio first.
Similar exercises
SupermanFace down, lift arms, chest and legs only slightly, eyes down, hold for 10 secondsBird dogOn all fours, reach out one arm and the opposite legPlank shoulder tapsIn a high plank, tap the opposite shoulderLying leg raisesOn your back, slowly raise and lower straight legs – lower back stays down, otherwise bend your kneesDead bugOn your back, extend arm and opposite leg, back stays downHollow holdLift shoulders and legs slightly, lower back stays down