Reverse Crunches
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Reverse crunches can help target the lower portion of the abs. They also incorporate your internal and external obliques (the muscles around your waist).
Instructions
- Lie down on the floor with legs straight up, knees slightly bent and lower back pressed into floor.
- Contracting your stomach (squeeze it like you're squeezing water out of a sponge), slowly lift your hips a few inches off the floor. Keep your upper body relaxed.
- At the top of movement, contract your stomach as hard as you can, and hold for a few seconds and exhale.
- Inhale and slowly lower back down to the floor, stopping just before you relax all the way down.
- Initiate the movement from your abdominals, rather than swinging your legs.
Tips
- Keep your lower back flat throughout the entire movement.
- Breathe continuously throughout each repetition.
- Repeat the crunches for 15 to 20 repetitions.
To ask a question about abdominals, go to the abdominal forum.
For more exercises, visit my Workout Center.
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