Elbow-Assisted Abdominal Crunch

In this exercise, you use your elbows to achieve a slightly stronger contraction in the abdominal muscles.

Equipment
Exercise mat.

Exercise Technique

  1. Lie down with your knees bent and elbows on the floor beside you with your fists facing the ceiling.
  2. Contract the abdominal muscles and raise your upper body off the floor. This is the starting position.
  3. As you get to the top of the curl, push your elbows against the floor to come up a little higher.
  4. Lower yourself to the "starting position" and not to the floor.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Performance Tips

  1. The exercise starts from a lifted position.
  2. Use the elbows to lift yourself a little higher from that lifted position.
  3. Keep your lower back in contact with the floor throughout the whole exercise.

Repetitions:
Do 12 to 15 repetitions. Rest. Do one or two more sets if you want to.

Go to Common Exercises...