Reverse Crunch

The Reverse Crunch is one of the most talked about core training exercises, and it’s often compared and contrasted with sit ups, due to the fact that it’s actually the opposite of the sit up when it comes to mechanics. Some trainers suggest that this exercise is more effective than sit ups, and while it can increase core strength and reduce stomach fat, it can also improve posture as well.

The Reverse Crunch was designed to work the entire core, but it specifically targets the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles, and it’s more than likely if you’re a first timer when it comes to doing this exercise that your oblique muscles will be sore when you do it for the first time. That said, it also shows users how to correctly tilt their pelvis posteriorly, which also tightens and strengthens the core muscles, while reducing upper back rounding, which can be bad for back health.

To do the Reverse Crunch you will lay on the floor, with your hands behind your head or on the floor, and then draw your knees up toward your chest, so they end up bent at a 90 degree angle. You can have your feet crossed or put them together. You then begin contracting your abs, as you roll or curl your hips up off the floor, ending up with your legs stretching up toward the ceiling.

Once you do this exercise, you’ll see that it requires a very small movement, so it’s very important that you use your abs the whole time you’re lifting your hips instead of relying on natural momentum, which gets the job done, without toning the core. When you’ve finished the move, return to your starting position, and repeat the move. Trainers often suggest doing 12 to 16 reps, and 1 to 3 sets.

The Reverse Crunch is often used during a stomach fat workout, which normally includes a whole host of floor and standing based exercises, ranging from the Cable Crunch and Hanging Leg Raises to Dragon Crunches and a Seated Ab Crunch.