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Slide show
Slide show: Exercises to improve your core strength
By Mayo Clinic staff
Abdominal crunch
Abdominal crunches are a classic core-strength exercise:
- Lie on your back and place your feet on a wall so that your knees and hips are bent at 90-degree angles. Tighten your abdominal muscles.
- Raise your head and shoulders off the floor. To avoid straining your neck, cross your arms on your chest rather than locking them behind your head. Hold for three deep breaths.
- Return to the start position and repeat.
References
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 12, 2011.
- Krupa NL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 12, 2011.
- Akuthota V, et al. Core stability exercise principles. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2008;7:39.
- Willardson JM. Core stability training: Applications to sports conditioning programs. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2007;21:979.
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