Place your hands behind your head, lightly supporting it with your fingers without pulling on your neck.
Engage your abdominal muscles by drawing in your belly button to your spine, then lift your upper body, including your shoulders and back, off the ground towards your knees, keeping your lower back on the floor.
Pause at the peak of the crunch, then slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position.
Repeat this movement for your desired number of repetitions, ensuring to keep your abdominal muscles engaged throughout the exercise.
Pro Tip
Avoid Pulling Your Neck: It's a common mistake to pull your neck forward in an attempt to lift your body. This can lead to strain and injury. Instead, keep your neck in a neutral position as you crunch up, and imagine holding an apple under your chin to maintain the right distance. Controlled Movement: Avoid rushing through the motions. The effectiveness of crunches comes from slow, controlled movement, not momentum. Lift and lower your body in a steady, controlled manner, focusing on the contraction and release of your abdominal muscles. Breathe: Another common mistake is holding your breath during the exercise.