Abdominal Curl - Free Weights

The abdominal curl is also known as the crunch or the sit-up, it is performed lying face up on a mat. There are many ways of making it harder, one common way is placing the hands in various positions, for example, the image shows the hands by the side of the head but which is harder than having the hands on your thighs as instructed. The abdominal curl is one way to train the abs, but it shouldn’t be the only way you train them.

Abdominal Curl Muscle Body Map

Body Part and Muscle Group

The Abdominal Curl work the Anterior Torso with particular focus on the Rectus Abdominis, Internal a

Abdominal Curl Muscle Body Map

Joint Actions

The movement to perform the Abdominal Curl involves Spinal Flexion.

Abdominal Curl

Instructions

Lying face up on a mat with you back straight and knees bent to 90 degrees.

Keep your feet flat on the floor and place your hands on your thighs, slowly curl up until your fingers touch your knees.

Slowly and under control lower back down while maintaining tension on your abdominals, keep your shoulders slightly off the floor when lowered.

Progression: Place your hands on your chest or by the side of your head.

Alternative: Use an Ab Machine or Medicine Ball.

Abdominal Curl

The abdominal curl is a great strengthening exercise for the abdominal muscles and is an exercise that will help get the 6-pack everyone is aiming for. When training the abdominals make sure you also train the oblique’s and balance your workout with some back exercises like the back extension.

Suggested Exercise Equipment

The following fitness products are suggested for this exercise:

Rate This Page

We're very keen to provide our users with the best information, please let us know what you think of this page by clicking the star that you feel represents the quality of this page.

Rating: 2.7/5 (10 votes cast)

Have a look at.......

Home Exercise Help
Free Personal Trainer Membership
Stretching