How to do it
Space your elbows wide and keep your chin lifted off the chest.
- 1
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- 2
Place your hands behind your head, lightly supporting it with your fingers.
- 3
Engage your core by drawing your belly button towards your spine.
- 4
Slowly lift your upper body off the ground, aiming to rise until your torso is about a 45-degree angle with the floor, or until your abs are fully contracted.
- 5
Pause at the top of the movement, then slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position.
- 6
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring you maintain proper form throughout.
Expert tip
Maintain a controlled motion throughout the exercise to keep tension on the abdominal muscles. Avoid using momentum or swinging your arms to complete the movement, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury.
Common mistakes
- ✕Yanking the head forward with the hands
- ✕Rising past the 45-degree torso angle
- ✕Feet lifting off the floor during the curl