Exercise technique

weighted crunch (behind head)

Lie supine on a flat bench with knees bent and feet planted. Hold a small weight plate behind your head (not on the neck) and perform a controlled spinal curl to crunch up, then return slowly.

How do you perform this exercise?

  1. Lie on a flat bench with knees bent, feet flat, and lower back lightly pressed into the bench.
  2. Grip a small plate with both hands and place it behind your head at the base of the skull; keep elbows slightly in and avoid pulling on the neck.
  3. Brace your core and exhale as you curl your upper spine off the bench, bringing ribs toward pelvis; keep the chin gently tucked.
  4. Pause briefly when shoulder blades are just off the bench, maintaining tension in the abs.
  5. Inhale and lower your torso back down under control until shoulder blades touch, without relaxing the core.
  6. Keep movement small and segmental (about 15–30° of spinal flexion), and use a load you can control without pulling with the arms.

Which other muscles are involved?

Spine, Delts.

How do you log your sets?

How do you track progressive overload?

Source: ExerciseDB catalogue and demonstration. Related movements are options to compare, not equivalent loads or a prescribed progression.

Alternatives to explore

STARK is a strength training tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch. Log sets, repetitions and weights, then follow your progress. Core features are free. Explore STARK’s features