Tuck Crunch

The Tuck Crunch is a fantastic exercise that targets your core muscles, specifically your abdominal muscles. It is a variation of the traditional crunch that adds an extra challenge to your workout routine. This exercise not only helps you develop a strong and defined midsection but also improves your overall stability and balance. To perform a Tuck Crunch, you start by lying flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands behind your head, elbows pointing out to the sides. From there, you engage your core muscles and lift your shoulder blades off the mat while simultaneously bringing your knees towards your chest. As you lift your upper body, try to touch your elbows to your knees, creating a tuck motion. Hold the contraction for a second and then slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position with control. Engaging your abdominal muscles throughout the exercise is crucial to ensure proper form and maximize the benefits. Remember to breathe steadily and avoid pulling on your neck or straining your lower back. If you feel any discomfort in your neck or back, consider adjusting your technique or decreasing the range of motion until you build up strength in those areas. Incorporating Tuck Crunches into your fitness routine can help strengthen your core, improve your posture, and enhance your athletic performance. Pair it with other exercises that target different areas of your body for a well-rounded workout. Aim for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions, gradually increasing the number as you get stronger. Don't forget to listen to your body and rest when needed, allowing for muscle recovery and growth.

Instructions

• Lie flat on your back on a workout mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
• Place your hands behind your head, supporting your neck with your fingertips.
• Engage your core by drawing your belly button in towards your spine.
• With control, lift your head, shoulder blades, and upper back off the mat.
• At the same time, bring your knees towards your chest, tucking them in and lifting your hips off the ground.
• Hold the contraction for a second, squeezing your abdominal muscles at the top of the movement.
• Slowly lower your upper body and extend your legs back to the starting position.
• Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
• Remember to breathe throughout the exercise and avoid pulling on your neck with your hands.

Tips & Tricks

• Maintain proper form throughout the exercise to engage your abdominal muscles effectively.
• Engage your core by pulling your belly button towards your spine during each repetition.
• Exhale as you crunch up and inhale as you lower your body back down.
• Include a variety of abdominal exercises in your routine to target all areas of your core.
• Increase the intensity of tuck crunches by holding a dumbbell or medicine ball against your chest during the exercise.
• To challenge your core stability, perform tuck crunches on a stability ball.
• Focus on quality over quantity – perform each repetition with control and precision.
• Allow your abs to fully recover between sets to maximize their strength and growth.
• Include a balanced diet with sufficient protein intake to support muscle development.
• Stay consistent with your workouts and gradually increase the difficulty to continue progressing.