Reverse Crunch

The reverse crunch brings the knees toward the chest rather than the chest toward the knees, targeting the lower portion of the rectus abdominis.

Beginner 💪 Core Isolation Isolation
3
Sets
15–20
Reps
60 sec
Rest
Isolation
Type
🏋️ Bodyweight
Reverse Crunch — start and finish positionsSTARTFINISH
Bodyweight
Core Beginner Isolation
Add This Exercise to Your Workout →

Muscles Worked

Learn more in the Abs training guide →

Primary
Core
Secondary
Hip Flexors
Highlighted muscles

How To Perform

  1. 1 Lie on your back with knees bent, hands at your sides.
  2. 2 Raise the knees toward the chest, curling the pelvis upward.
  3. 3 Lower under control.

Form Cues

  • ✓ The key is curling the pelvis — do not just swing the legs.
  • ✓ Use the abs to control the descent.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ Using momentum rather than abs.
  • ✗ Not curling the pelvis — just raising the legs.
💡 Professor Splits Says:

Progressive overload is the engine of muscle growth. Track your weights and aim to add small increments weekly. For Reverse Crunch, this means gradually increasing load, volume (sets × reps), or decreasing rest periods over time.

Exercise Alternatives

Can't do the Reverse Crunch? These alternatives target the same muscles:

Swap Reverse Crunch for something else

Ranked by primary muscle, movement pattern and mechanics. Filter by the equipment you have:

Where This Exercise Fits

FAQ

How many sets of Reverse Crunch should I do?▾
3 sets of 15–20 reps is a solid starting point. Adjust based on your training frequency and overall weekly volume for core. Beginners should start with the lower end; advanced trainees can push toward the upper range.
What muscles does Reverse Crunch target?▾
Reverse Crunch primarily targets the Core. Secondary muscles include Hip Flexors.
Is Reverse Crunch good for beginners?▾
Reverse Crunch is beginner-friendly. Focus on technique with lighter loads before adding weight.
How much rest between sets?▾
For Reverse Crunch, 60 sec of rest between sets is recommended. Isolation exercises can typically use shorter rest periods (45–90 sec) to maintain the pump and time efficiency.