Crunch - Fitness Ball Reverse

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps

★★★★☆

Beginner Abdominals Strength Fitness Ball Gym

Purpose: Crunch exercises strengthen the upper abdominal muscles.

Benefits: Crunch exercises will give you a well-defined mid-section.

Lie on an exercise mat with your lower back pressed against the floor. Place your hands lightly against the sides of your head. Place your heels on a fitness ball so that your upper legs are perpendicular to the floor. This is the starting position. Slowly raise your shoulders and upper back off the ground (about 30 degrees). Twist your body to the left and touch your right elbow to your left knee. Exhale during this movement. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Place your hands lightly against the sides of your head. Place your heels on a fitness ball so that your upper legs are perpendicular to the floor. Slowly raise your shoulders and upper back off the ground (about 30 degrees). Twist your body to the right and touch your left elbow to your right knee. Exhale during this movement. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds. Slowly return to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Place your hands lightly against the sides of your head. Place your heels on a fitness ball so that your upper legs are perpendicular to the floor. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

The abs can be divided into the abdominals themselves and the obliques. The obliques are the outer abs and are used in twisting movements. For the sake of exercising, the abdominals are sometimes divided into upper abs and lower abs (this is not a technical division but something for exercising). Both upper and lower abs are used in straight line ab exercises while the upper abs are also involved in twisting movements.