| Purpose: Develop the entire front abdominal wall. Most of the stress is focused on the upper section of the rectus abdominus (upper abs). |
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| Equipment variations: Flat bench or cable pulley machine.
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| Starting position: Lie with your back on the floor and your knees over a flat bench. Your knees should be at an angle that will allow your thighs to be perpendicular to the floor. Cross your arms over your chest and keep them in this position throughout the exercise. Placing your hands behind your neck can place unwanted stress on the neck and may lead to injury.
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| Performance:While focusing on contracting your abs, lift your shoulders and head toward the bench. Exhale the air from your lungs in order to increase the force of the contraction in your abs. Performed correctly, this movement requires a very small range of motion. Your entire upper body should not be separated from the floor. Only your head and shoulders should come a few inches from the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of repetitions. |
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