Crunch: how to do it and muscles worked

The crunch mainly works your abs. You need bodyweight (no equipment).

Muscles worked

Main

How to do the crunch

  1. 1

    Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hands lightly behind your head or crossed over your chest.

  2. 2

    Curl your shoulder blades off the floor by tightening your abs, lifting only your upper back, with your lower back staying down.

  3. 3

    Pause for a moment at the top, then lower slowly. Breathe out as you curl up and in as you lower.

Form tip: Do not pull on your neck with your hands; keep your chin slightly tucked and a small gap between chin and chest.

Common questions

Which muscles does the crunch work?
The crunch mainly works your abs.
What equipment do I need for the 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 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.

Crunch: how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte