Crunch (on stability ball)

Description

How to do Crunch (on stability ball)

1. 01
   Setup

   Sit on a stability ball with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Roll your hips forward slightly so the ball supports your lower back, ensuring your torso is upright.

2. 02
   Setup

   Walk your feet forward, allowing the ball to roll up your back until it supports your entire lumbar and thoracic spine. Your head and neck should be slightly off the ball, with knees bent at 90 degrees and feet firmly planted.

3. 03

   Place your hands lightly behind your head, supporting your neck without pulling. Inhale to prepare, then exhale as you contract your rectus abdominis to lift your head and shoulders off the ball.

4. 04

   Focus on bringing your rib cage towards your pelvis, feeling a strong contraction in your abs. Keep your lower back pressed into the ball and avoid pulling your neck.

5. 05

   Inhale slowly as you control the movement, lowering your torso back down to the starting position until your upper back and head lightly touch the ball, feeling a stretch in your abs.

Tips

• Maintain a stable lower body by pressing your feet firmly into the floor throughout the movement to prevent the ball from shifting.
• Imagine pulling your belly button towards your spine as you crunch to fully engage your deep abdominal muscles, not just the superficial ones.
• Avoid pulling on your neck with your hands; instead, use your abdominal muscles to initiate and complete the lift, supporting your head gently.
• Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the crunch to maximize muscle engagement and promote greater strength gains.

Common mistakes

• Pulling on the neck instead of engaging the abs can strain the cervical spine; instead, keep hands lightly behind the head and let your core do the work.
• Rushing the movement and using momentum reduces abdominal activation; slow down the crunch and focus on a deliberate contraction and controlled release.
• Allowing the hips to slide or the ball to move excessively indicates a lack of stability; keep your feet firmly planted and engage your glutes slightly to anchor your lower body.