Reverse Crunch (Band)
An isolation exercise using a resistance band to target the lower abdominals through controlled knee and hip flexion against resistance.
Instructions
- Lie flat on your back on a mat or bench with legs extended and arms at your sides.
- Loop the band around your feet and hold the other ends with your hands.
- Keep your upper back on the ground throughout the movement.
- Flex your hips and knees, bringing your knees toward your chest against band resistance.
- Draw your lower abdomen inward and squeeze your core at the top of the movement.
- Lower your feet back toward the ground with control without full extension.
- Maintain tension on the band throughout the entire set.
- Perform the desired number of repetitions with controlled movements.
Tips
- Keep your upper back and shoulders pressed into the ground throughout.
- Focus on moving your hips and knees rather than just moving your legs.
- Move slowly and deliberately, emphasizing the abdominal contraction.
- Avoid pulling on your neck or head; keep hands supporting the band only.
- Keep tension on the band at all times; never fully relax at the bottom.
- Adjust band resistance to maintain controlled movement through all repetitions.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 15 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 18 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 25 reps |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
Anti Rotation Press (Band)
Learn more about anti rotation press (band) beginner strength
Assisted Sit-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about assisted sit-up (trx / suspension trainer) beginner strength
Bicycle Crunch (Band)
Learn more about bicycle crunch (band) beginner strength
Crunch (Band)
Learn more about crunch (band) beginner strength
Crunch (Dumbbell)
Learn more about crunch (dumbbell) beginner strength
Crunch on Elbows (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about crunch on elbows (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
Crunch on Hands (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about crunch on hands (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
Crunch with Chest Taps (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about crunch with chest taps (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
Double Leg Raise
Learn more about double leg raise beginner strength
beginner strength
Kneeling Crunch (Band)
Learn more about kneeling crunch (band) beginner strength
Kneeling Crunch (Cable)
Learn more about kneeling crunch (cable) beginner strength
Leg Crunch (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about leg crunch (medicine ball) beginner strength
Low Rollout (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about low rollout (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Pallof Press (Band)
Learn more about pallof press (band) intermediate strength
Push Crunch (Dumbbell)
Learn more about push crunch (dumbbell) beginner strength
Resisted Sit-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about resisted sit-up (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
Sit-Up (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about sit-up (medicine ball) beginner strength
Sit-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about sit-up (trx / suspension trainer) beginner strength
Stability Ball Reverse Crunch
Learn more about stability ball reverse crunch beginner strength
Standing Crunch (Cable)
Learn more about standing crunch (cable) beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Toe Touch (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about toe touch (medicine ball) intermediate strength
intermediate strength