Exercise library · Abs

How to Do Tuck Crunch

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the tuck crunch.

How to do it

1. To begin, lie down on the floor or an exercise mat with your back pressed against the floor. Your arms should be lying across your sides with the palms facing down.
2. Your legs should be crossed by wrapping one ankle around the other. Slowly elevate your legs up in the air until your thighs are perpendicular to the floor with a slight bend at the knees. Note: Your knees and toes should be parallel to the floor as opposed to the thighs.
3. Move your arms from the floor and cross them so they are resting on your chest. This is the starting position.
4. While keeping your lower back pressed against the floor, slowly lift your torso. Remember to exhale while perform this part of the exercise.
5. Slowly begin to lower your torso back down to the starting position while inhaling.
6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

Browse all workouts →

Similar exercises

CrunchesAbs

Reverse CrunchAbs

Dead BugAbs

Russian TwistAbs

Flat Bench Lying Leg RaiseAbs

Hanging Leg RaiseAbs

Gear for this exercise

Exercise matGrip and comfort for floor work, core and stretching.See it on Amazon →Doorway pull-up barThe cheapest way to train your back and biceps at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.