Bicycle Crunch: how to do it and muscles worked
The bicycle crunch mainly works your abs and obliques. You need bodyweight (no equipment).
Muscles worked
How to do the bicycle crunch
- 1
Lie on your back with your hands lightly behind your head, knees bent and lifted so your shins are parallel to the floor.
- 2
Bring one elbow toward the opposite knee as you straighten the other leg, then switch sides in a smooth pedaling motion.
- 3
Rotate through your torso, not just your elbows, and keep your lower back pressed down. Breathe steadily and keep the pace slow.
Form tip: Do not pull on your neck; lead with your shoulders and keep your elbows wide.
Common questions
- Which muscles does the bicycle crunch work?
- The bicycle crunch mainly works your abs and obliques.
- What equipment do I need for the bicycle crunch?
- You need bodyweight (no equipment).
- How many sets and reps should I do?
- A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
- How do I track the bicycle crunch in SweatByte?
- Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.
More abs exercises
General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.