Crunch (straight leg up)
Expert Advice
Keep your legs together and straight to engage both the abs and hip flexors effectively.
How-to-do Steps
- Lie on your back with your legs extended straight up towards the ceiling.
- Place your hands behind your head or across your chest.
- Perform a crunch by lifting your shoulder blades off the floor.
- Lower back down with control.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Track Crunch (straight leg up) in FitAI
Log your sets, reps, and weights automatically. Get AI-powered progressive overload recommendations and form feedback — personalized to your training history.
Muscles Worked
Crunch (straight leg up) primarily targets the Abs, with Strength mechanics using Body Weight. Understanding muscle activation patterns helps you focus on proper engagement and maximize training effectiveness.
Primary

Abs70%
Secondary

Quads30%
Equipment
Body Weight

Exercise Type
Strength
Sets & Reps Guidance
Beginner3 x 12-15
Intermediate3 x 10-12
Advanced4 x 8-10
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does Crunch (straight leg up) work?
Crunch (straight leg up) primarily targets the Abs. Secondary muscles involved include Quads. It is classified as a Strength exercise performed with Body Weight.
How many sets and reps should I do for Crunch (straight leg up)?
For beginners, start with 3 sets of 12-15. Intermediate lifters can do 3 sets of 10-12. Advanced athletes can push to 4 sets of 8-10. Adjust based on your goals and recovery capacity.
Is Crunch (straight leg up) suitable for beginners?
Yes, Crunch (straight leg up) is rated as a beginner-friendly exercise, making it an excellent starting point. Focus on mastering proper form before increasing intensity or load.