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Barbell Crunch

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Muscles worked

High load
Abs · Upper
Medium load
Core
Low load
Delts · Front and Triceps

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Lie on your back with knees bent and hold a light barbell above your chest with straight arms. Curl your upper back off the floor, reaching the bar toward the ceiling without pressing it forward. Lower slowly; keep your lower back near the floor.

Form cues

  • Curl your upper back off the floor.
  • Keep the bar above your chest.

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

NeckShoulderElbowWristUpper backLower back

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.