Exercise

Reverse Crunch

Also known as: lying reverse crunch, lower ab reverse crunch, knee to chest crunch

Reverse Crunch — position 1Reverse Crunch — position 2

Reverse Crunch is a isolation exercise for the abdominals. Main target: lower abs. No equipment needed — just your bodyweight.

EquipmentBodyweight
TypeIsolation
MovementPull
CategoryStrength

Muscles worked

Muscles worked in the Reverse Crunch: primary in bright, secondary in light
Primary

How to do it

  1. Lie down on the floor with your legs fully extended and arms to the side of your torso with the palms on the floor. Your arms should be stationary for the entire exercise.
  2. Move your legs up so that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor and feet are together and parallel to the floor. This is the starting position.
  3. While inhaling, move your legs towards the torso as you roll your pelvis backwards and you raise your hips off the floor. At the end of this movement your knees will be touching your chest.
  4. Hold the contraction for a second and move your legs back to the starting position while exhaling.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the legs instead of lifting the pelvis.

Tips

  • Curl your pelvis up toward your ribs and lower slowly — no momentum.

Used in these programs

3-Day Gym Workout Plan for Women

Three sessions a week with a glute and leg focus plus an upper-body day — for strength and a toned look.

Beginner · 3 times a week · Gym
Beginner Home Ab Workout

15 minutes on a mat: crunches, reverse crunches, planks and dead bugs — the whole core and obliques with no equipment.

Beginner · 3 times a week · Home

Similar exercises

Hanging Leg Raise
Bodyweight
Lower abs
Scissor Kick
Bodyweight
Lower abs
Flat Bench Lying Leg Raise
Bodyweight
Lower abs
Seated Leg Tucks
Bodyweight
Lower abs
Dead Bug
Bodyweight
Lower abs
L-Sit Hold
Bodyweight
Lower abs

Alternatives with other equipment

Cable Reverse Crunch
Cable
Lower abs
Knee/Hip Raise On Parallel Bars
Other
Lower abs
Smith Machine Hip Raise
Smith machine
Lower abs
Exercise Ball Pull-In
Exercise ball
Lower abs
Ab Crunch Machine
Machine
Upper abs
Barbell Side Bend
Barbell
Obliques
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