Reverse Crunch

Anyone who does even a small amount of research on abdominal exercise methods will quickly learn that a vast number of these routines are modifications of the original abdominal crunch exercise. Such is the case with the Reverse Crunch, a routine that may help individuals become more successful at working to flatten tummy regions.

To perform a Reverse Crunch, one begins with his or her body flat on the floor, backside down. With knees bent and feet flat on the floor, the individual places his or her hands flat on the floor as well, extending them parallel to the torso. Then, rather than raise the upper body or shoulders, such as in the original crunch, the person doing a Reverse Crunch actually raises his or her legs. The legs are raised until the thighs are completely vertical and the lower legs are parallel to the floor, with the knees still bent at a 90 degree angle. The Reverse Crunch is said to be effective at helping participants flatten tummy muscles. The exercise should enable them to target the large central muscle of the abdomen, which is called the rectus abdominis, so long as individuals do the routine on a regular basis.