How to do it
Exhale fully at the top of every crunch and pause for one count.
- 1
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- 2
Hold a dumbbell with both hands straight above your chest.
- 3
Contract your abs to lift your shoulders off the floor, keeping your arms straight.
- 4
Slowly lower back down to the starting position.
- 5
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Expert tip
Focus on using your abs to lift your torso rather than pulling with your arms or neck.
Common mistakes
- ✕Drifting the dumbbell behind the head
- ✕Letting the lower back arch off the floor
- ✕Lifting the entire spine off the floor