Reverse Crunches

Muscles worked: Abs & Core · Also: Legs & Glutes

Reverse Crunches target the lower core by lifting the hips rather than the shoulders. Lying on your back, you draw your knees toward your chest and lift your hips a short way off the floor.

Think of curling your pelvis upward rather than swinging your legs: the lift is small, the legs mostly follow along. Keep your arms relaxed by your sides for balance, and lower your hips back down slowly instead of dropping them.

How to do it

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your arms relaxed by your sides.
2. Draw your knees toward your chest and curl your pelvis upward to lift your hips a short way off the floor.
3. Think of the lift as small — the legs mostly follow along, not swing.
4. Lower your hips back down slowly instead of dropping them.
5. Keep your arms relaxed for balance and avoid using momentum to throw your legs up.

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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.