How to Do Crunch (Arms Straight)

Crunch (Arms Straight) is a core exercise using bodyweight, listed as beginner in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Primary muscle

Core

Equipment

Bodyweight

Difficulty

Beginner

01 / Move with control

How to perform

How to do Crunch (Arms Straight)

  1. 01Lie flat on the floor with knees bent and feet flat, extending the arms straight overhead behind the ears.
  2. 02Glue the biceps to the ears and point the fingers toward the wall behind you.
  3. 03Exhale and lift the shoulder blades two inches off the mat by contracting the upper abdominals.
  4. 04Hold the peak contraction for one second while keeping the neck neutral.
  5. 05Lower the upper back to the floor slowly without letting the arms drop to the chest.

Same guidance shown inside the A90 app

02 / Anatomy

Muscles worked by Crunch (Arms Straight)

Primary Stabiliser Inactive

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Primary movers

  • Core Stabilises the spine and transfers force.

Stabilisers

  • Lower back Stabilises the spine during lifts and bends.
  • Forearms Grips and stabilises the wrist under load.

03 / A90 Coach

A90 Coach tip

Press the lower back into the floor during the lift to prevent the hip flexors from taking over the movement.

Same coaching engine used inside the A90 app

05 / FAQ

Crunch (Arms Straight) questions

What muscles does Crunch (Arms Straight) work?

Crunch (Arms Straight) is catalogued as a core exercise in A90 Training Club, with the core as its primary muscle group.

How do you do Crunch (Arms Straight) correctly?

Lie flat on the floor with knees bent and feet flat, extending the arms straight overhead behind the ears. Glue the biceps to the ears and point the fingers toward the wall behind you. Exhale and lift the shoulder blades two inches off the mat by contracting the upper abdominals. Hold the peak contraction for one second while keeping the neck neutral. Lower the upper back to the floor slowly without letting the arms drop to the chest.

What is the A90 coach tip for Crunch (Arms Straight)?

Press the lower back into the floor during the lift to prevent the hip flexors from taking over the movement.

Is Crunch (Arms Straight) suitable for beginners?

Crunch (Arms Straight) is rated beginner in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Do you need equipment for Crunch (Arms Straight)?

No. Crunch (Arms Straight) is listed as a bodyweight movement in the A90 catalogue, so you can train it with no kit.

A90 Intelligence

Put this into a real plan.

A90 Intelligence programmes crunch (arms straight) into a 30, 60 or 90 day plan built around your equipment, then adjusts it as you train.

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