How to Do Crunches

If you’ve ever walked into a gym, taken an exercise class, or perused workout ideas online, chances are you’ve seen someone do crunches or have done them yourself. And it’s no surprise that crunches are so popular! They’re an effective way to work your core, they’re beginner-friendly, and they can be done without any weights or fancy equipment. Here’s how to perform crunches correctly in order to effectively work your abdominals.

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How to Perform Crunches

Step 1

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Gently place your hands behind your head with your elbows wide, pointing out to the sides.

Step 2

Take a deep breath in. Then, breathe out and tighten your abdominal muscles as if bracing for a punch.

Step 3

On the same exhale, lift your head, shoulders, and feet off the ground and squeeze your elbows and knees together, crunching into a ball. At the peak of the movement, lift your hips up slightly.

Step 4

Slowly lower back down, returning to the start position with your head, shoulders, and feet back on the ground.

Step 5

Maintain the breathing pattern each time you start a new rep. Perform 10-15 repetitions for 2-3 sets, increasing as your strength improves.