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Decline Crunch

Abdominals Intermediate Strength Body Only
Decline Crunch Decline Crunch
Equipment
Body Only
Level
Intermediate
Force
Pull
Mechanic
Isolation
Instructions
  1. Secure your legs at the end of the decline bench and lie down.
  2. Now place your hands lightly on either side of your head keeping your elbows in. Tip: Don't lock your fingers behind your head.
  3. While pushing the small of your back down in the bench to better isolate your abdominal muscles, begin to roll your shoulders off it.
  4. Continue to push down as hard as you can with your lower back as you contract your abdominals and exhale. Your shoulders should come up off the bench only about four inches, and your lower back should remain on the bench. At the top of the movement, contract your abdominals hard and keep the contraction for a second. Tip: Focus on slow, controlled movement - don't cheat yourself by using momentum.
  5. After the one second contraction, begin to come down slowly again to the starting position as you inhale.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Decline Crunch work?

Decline Crunch primarily targets the Abdominals. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building abdominals development.

Do I need equipment for the Decline Crunch?

No. The Decline Crunch is a bodyweight exercise that requires no equipment. It can be performed anywhere with enough space.

Is the Decline Crunch suitable for beginners?

The Decline Crunch is an intermediate exercise. You should have a solid foundation of basic strength movements before attempting it. If you're new to training, start with simpler variations and progress to this exercise as your form and strength improve.

Is the Decline Crunch a compound or isolation exercise?

The Decline Crunch is an isolation exercise that focuses on a single joint and muscle group. Isolation exercises are useful for targeting specific muscles, correcting imbalances, and adding focused volume. They are typically performed after compound movements in a workout.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Decline Crunch?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the Decline Crunch?

Good alternatives include the 3/4 Sit-Up, Ab Crunch Machine, Ab Roller. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Abdominals) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

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