Crunches With Legs Raised

Muscles worked: Abs & Core

Crunches With Legs Raised add difficulty to the basic crunch by holding your legs up in the air while you lift your shoulders. With the legs raised, your core has to work harder to keep your pelvis steady.

Hold the legs roughly vertical with a soft bend in the knees, then crunch up small and slow. If your lower back arches or your legs start dropping, bend the knees more or rest — the crunch should come from your stomach, not from straining your back.

How to do it

1. Lie on your back and hold your legs roughly vertical with a soft bend in the knees.
2. Crunch up small and slow, lifting your shoulders off the floor.
3. Keep your pelvis steady — with the legs raised, your core has to work harder to hold it there.
4. Lower back down slowly.
5. If your lower back arches or your legs start dropping, bend your knees more or rest — the crunch should come from your stomach, not from straining your back.

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Programs that include it

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General fitness information only, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain, and talk to a doctor before starting a new workout routine if you have a health condition.