Also Known As: Crunch up
Targets: Abdominals
Level: Intermediate
The vertical leg crunch is a great core exercise. It is similar to the basic crunch, except that the legs are perpendicular to the floor. This position increases the intensity of the exercise, so it is a good next step after you've mastered the basic crunch. It can help your reach your goal of flatter and more attractive abs and a strong core. You can use this exercise as part of a core workout or a total body workout.
The rectus abdominis is the chief target of the basic crunch. The vertical leg crunch not only increases the rectus abdominis workout, it is effective for recruiting the lower back extensors, the transverse abdominals, and even the external obliques and internal obliques.
Building your core muscles will increase your metabolism, which is key to burning fat throughout the day, even when you're not exercising. The vertical leg crunch helps improve your balance and posture by recruiting muscles along your spine. Changing up your ab routine is part of getting a full core workout, and there are variations and options to help you expand your ab exercise repertoire.
Lie on your back on a mat or another surface that will be comfortable.
Avoid these errors to get the most from this exercise and to avoid strain or injury.
Use your core muscles to prevent leg motion. You don't want them to tilt to one side or you could strain your back. If you find your legs are unwieldy and hard to control during the lift, you can cross your legs to help stabilize them.
Your neck should always be in line with your torso. Avoid pulling on your head or neck to draw your shoulders off the ground. Your hands should only be gently resting behind your head. Keep your chin up as you raise your upper body. Don't tilt your head forward as that can place strain on your neck. It also means your abs are doing less of the work as you try to do some of it with the upper body and back.
The movement should come from a contraction of the abs, not from swaying forward with your upper body.
The crunch is an exercise that can be done in many ways to make it more accessible as you build core strength or to work your muscles in different ways. Using a mat or other soft surface beneath the back is important—pushing your spine into a hard floor can be very uncomfortable.
If you can't come fully up when you start, go as far as you can and return to the starting position. You'll improve as you practice.
Rather than supporting your head with your hands, you can extend your arms toward your toes during the crunch.
For a greater challenge, place a weight on your chest or hold one behind your head.
If you have any back or neck problems, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about whether crunches are appropriate for you. If not done with proper form, they can compress the spine and stress the neck. Avoid crunches after the first trimester of pregnancy, as soon as the belly expands.
Incorporate this move and similar ones into one of these popular workouts: