How to Do the Reverse Crunch
Beginner core exercise — bodyweight.
The Reverse Crunch is a beginner-level core exercise that puts focused tension on the abs, using no equipment. As an isolation movement it lets you target the abs directly with less full-body fatigue, so it pairs well as an accessory after your main lifts. You can do it at home or while travelling — no gym required — which makes it easy to keep in your routine consistently.
Exercise details
- Muscle group
- Core
- Primary muscle
- Abs
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation
How to perform it
- 1Lie flat on your back with your arms extended along your sides.
- 2Bend your knees and lift your feet off the ground, bringing your thighs perpendicular to the floor.
- 3Contract your abs and curl your hips off the floor, bringing your knees towards your chest.
- 4Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position.
- 5Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
How to program the Reverse Crunch
- Use the Reverse Crunch later in your workout as an accessory, after your main compound lifts.
- Warm up with one or two lighter sets before your working sets to prime the movement.
- As an isolation move, 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps works well, resting 45–75 seconds. Chase a strong contraction and controlled tempo over heavy weight.
- To progress, add reps, slow the lowering phase, or move to a harder variation once the current version feels easy.
Reverse Crunch alternatives
No space? These train the same abs, grouped by what you have available.
Easier and harder variations
The Reverse Crunch is rated beginner. Regress while you build the pattern, progress once it feels easy.
Harder — progress from it
What to pair it with
For a balanced session, pair the Reverse Crunch with a move for the opposing muscles — the Hyperextension (Back Extension) (lower back) or the Superman (lower back). Alternating the two as a superset saves time, because one side rests while the other works.
Where it fits in your weekly plan
When the free routine generator builds your week, the Reverse Crunch can land on:
- Full Body days — in 1–2 days a week plans
- Legs days — in 3, 5 or 6 days a week plans
- Lower Body days — in 4 or 5 days a week plans
Included when your equipment is set to: No equipment, Dumbbells, Full gym.
Free tools for this exercise
Put it in your plan
SSS Workout Assistant builds a custom weekly routine around your goals and adds moves like the Reverse Crunch automatically — then tracks every set.
Build my free planFrequently asked questions
What muscles does the Reverse Crunch work?
The Reverse Crunch primarily targets the abs within the core muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Reverse Crunch?
None — the Reverse Crunch is a bodyweight exercise you can do anywhere, no gym required.
Is the Reverse Crunch a compound or isolation exercise?
The Reverse Crunch is an isolation exercise, focusing work on a single muscle group. It's well suited to beginner trainees.
How many sets and reps of the Reverse Crunch should I do?
As an isolation move, 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps works well, resting 45–75 seconds. Chase a strong contraction and controlled tempo over heavy weight.
Is the Reverse Crunch good for beginners?
Yes — the Reverse Crunch is beginner-friendly. Start light, focus on clean technique, and add difficulty gradually as it becomes comfortable.
What can I do instead of the Reverse Crunch?
Good substitutes that train the same abs include the Captains Chair Straight Leg Raise (bodyweight), the Crunches (bodyweight), the Barbell Ab Rollout (barbell). Pick the one that matches the equipment you have.
Can I do the Reverse Crunch at home?
Yes — it needs no equipment, so it works at home, in a hotel room, or anywhere you have a bit of space.
