Equipment:
Inclined gym bench.

Exercise Technique:

1. Lie down on an inclined (30 to 45 degree incline) gym bench.
2. Hold the bench behind your head with both hands.
3. Carefully bring your knees into your chest. Straighten your legs over your hips with the soles of your feet facing upward.
4. Contract your abdominal muscles to curl your buttocks a few inches off the bench.
5. Hold for one to two counts.
6. Slowly lower your buttocks down to the bench.

Performance tips:

1. This should be done in a 'curling' or 'rolling motion, rather than jerking your hips straight up.
2. Your legs shouldn't be swinging back and forth. Hold them steady as you curl from the pelvis.
3. The natural range of motion is only a few inches. Do not try to lift the buttocks too high.
4. If this bothers your lower back, please don't do the exercise.
5. The abdominal muscles work the most effectively if the exercise is done slowly. Otherwise, momentum takes over.

Repetitions:
Eight to fifteen repetitions per set. Do one to three sets.

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