How to do a decline crunch

Setup:

1. Position: Lie on a decline bench with your head lower than your feet. Hook your legs securely under the padded supports.
2. Hand Placement: Place your hands lightly behind your head (without pulling on your neck) or cross them over your chest.

The Movement:

1. Crunch: Exhale and engage your abs to lift your head and shoulders off the bench. Curl your upper body towards your knees.
2. Squeeze: Focus on contracting your abdominal muscles at the top of the movement.
3. Lower: Inhale and slowly lower your upper body back to the starting position.

Tips:

• The decline angle increases the range of motion and difficulty compared to a standard crunch.
• Keep your lower back pressed into the bench.
• To increase the challenge, you can hold a weight plate across your chest.