V Crunch
Equipment Needed
About This Exercise
A core exercise where you simultaneously lift your upper body and legs off the floor to form a V shape. Targets the rectus abdominis and hip flexors while challenging coordination and balance.
How to Perform
- 1
Setup
Lie flat on your back on a mat with your legs extended and arms extended overhead, biceps by your ears. Press your lower back into the floor and engage your core.
- 2
Initiate the V
Exhale and simultaneously lift your legs and upper body off the floor, reaching your hands toward your toes. Keep both your arms and legs as straight as possible throughout the movement.
- 3
Top Position
At the top, your body should form a V shape with your torso and legs meeting at the hips. Try to touch your toes or shins with your hands. Squeeze your abs hard at the top and hold briefly.
- 4
Lower with Control
Slowly lower your arms and legs back toward the floor simultaneously, keeping them straight. Stop just before your shoulders and feet touch the ground to maintain tension, then begin the next rep.
Form Tips
- •Keep your arms and legs as straight as possible throughout
- •Lift by contracting your abs, not by swinging your arms or legs
- •Exhale as you crunch up, inhale as you lower down
- •Move in a controlled manner - avoid using momentum
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Bending the knees excessively to make the movement easier
- •Using momentum to swing up instead of controlled contraction
- •Not lifting the shoulder blades fully off the mat
- •Letting the lower back arch off the floor at the bottom of each rep
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
Related Exercises
View all exercises
Alternating Leg Raises
Hip Flexors, Obliques, Rectus Abdominis
A core exercise that targets the lower rectus and transverse abdominis muscles.
Flutter Kicks
Hip Flexors, Obliques, Rectus Abdominis
A core exercise that targets the lower rectus and transverse abdominis.
Leg Raises
Hip Flexors, Obliques, Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis
A core exercise that targets the lower abdominal muscles.
Scissor Kicks
Hip Flexors, Rectus Abdominis
A core exercise performed lying on your back where you alternate crossing your legs over each other in a scissoring motion. Targets the lower abs and hip flexors while improving core stability.
Bicycle Crunches
Obliques, Rectus Abdominis
A core exercise that targets the rectus abdominis, external obliques and transverse abdominis.
Knee Reaching Crunch
Obliques, Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis
A core exercise that targets the rectus abdominis.
Try Strong Curves Free for 7 Days
Get full access to home and gym workouts, recipes, progress tracking & our supportive community.
Start Your Free TrialCancel anytime.