Curl-Up

Body region

• Core

Muscles

Main

• Rectus Abdominis

Helps

• External Oblique
• Internal Oblique

Holds

• Transversus Abdominis

Technique

1. Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other leg straight.
2. Slide your hands under the lower back to keep its natural arch.
3. Brace the abs and lift the head and shoulders just a little off the floor, keeping the neck in line.
4. Hold for a few seconds, lower, and switch the bent leg halfway through the set.

Cues

• The movement is tiny; think of tensing, not curling far.
• Keep the chin slightly tucked, as if holding an egg under it.

Common mistakes

• Flattening the lower back into the floor.
• Pulling the head up with the neck.

Alternatives

• Crunch
• Plank
• Pelvic Tilt