Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Standard Page

Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Standalone Image

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Crunches-Step_By_Step_3

Exercises | Shared | Spacing | Large

Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Rich Text Content | Copy 1

# HOW TO DO CRUNCHES

Want to learn how to do crunches? You’ve come to the right place. Crunches are an incredibly popular exercise that targets your abs, and you can do it without requiring any equipment. Crunches will tone the belly, strengthen the core, and can help build six-pack abs. Keep reading to learn how to do this straightforward, effective exercise.

Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Video Standalone

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Crunches-Video

Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Rich Text Content | Copy 3

## HOW TO DO CRUNCHES: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Here’s how to do a traditional crunch.

1. **Lie down on the floor or exercise mat**, with your legs bent so your knees are pointing upwards. Your feet, back, and head should all remain flat.

2. **Place your fingertips behind your head,** or you can criss-cross your arms on your chest. Whichever position you prefer, it’s important to avoid neck strain, so don’t use your hands to push your head or neck. They are simply there to rest.

3. **Lift your shoulder blades off the floor**. Keep your head and neck relaxed, but tense your abs and briefly hold the position. With crunches, your body should be only slightly off the ground (with [sit ups](https://www.thegymgroup.com/exercises/abs-and-core-exercises/how-to-do-a-sit-up/), your upper body moves all the way to your knees).

4. **Gently lower your upper body and return to your original position.** You’ve now done one crunch.

Exercises | Shared | Heading | H2 | Do's And Don'ts

Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Rich Text Content | Copy 5

* **DO** exhale when lifting your upper body.

* **DON’T** forget to breathe.

Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Media Gallery

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Crunches-Step_By_Step_1

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Crunches-Step_By_Step_2

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Crunches-Step_By_Step_4

Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Rich Text Content | Copy 2

## WHAT ARE CRUNCHES?

Crunches are an incredibly popular abdominal exercise. Requiring no equipment, crunches are easy to do, great for beginners and gym pros alike, and help target the abs. Crunches are one of the most effective exercises to build six-pack abs, but you should use proper form to ensure you’re getting the most out of this tiring workout. 

Here you can learn how to do a traditional crunch, however there are other variations such as the [oblique crunch](https://www.thegymgroup.com/exercises/abs-and-core-exercises/how-to-do-oblique-crunches/). Explore all of our [ab and core exercises](https://www.thegymgroup.com/exercises/abs-and-core-exercises/) to push your workout to the next level.

## WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Crunches are a popular exercise, but they often work best as part of a personalised, consistent workout regimen. If you want to learn how to incorporate crunches into your own routine, our [friendly personal trainers](/personal-training/) at your [local Gym](/find-a-gym/) are happy to discuss a fitness plan tailored to your specific goals and needs.

Exercises | Abs And Core | How to do Crunches | Proposition Thumbnail group

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Hand_Walk_Outs-Step_By_Step_2

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Russian_Twist-Step_By_Step_2

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Plank-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Bicycle_Crunch-Step_By_Step_5

Exercises | Shared | Heading | Other Exercises

Exercises | Shared | Proposition Thumbnail group | Copy 2

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Dips-Step_By_Step_4

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Box_Jumps-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Bear_Crawl-Step_By_Step_2

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Bent_Over_Row-Step_By_Step_4

Exercises | Shared | Button Standalone | Abs And Core Exercises

Exercises | Shared | Spacing | Medium

Exercises | Shared | Button Standalone | Exercises Main page

Want to learn how to do crunches? Here’s our comprehensive guide, which explains what the exercise is, its benefits, and how crunches differ from sit ups.

How to Do Crunches | What Are Crunches? | Abs and Core Exercises | The Gym Group

Exercises | Abs and Core | How to do Crunches | Title Box