BEGINNER
The Half Curl is a simple abdominal exercise that strengthens your core muscles, protecting your back while increasing muscle tone.
With your knees bent and arms straight by your sides, lie on your back. Squeeze your legs together and keep your feet flat on the floor.
Using your upper abdominals, curl your upper back and shoulders off the mat. Keep your arms parallel to the floor and your lower back on the mat.
Hold for two seconds and repeat ten times.
ANNOTATION KEY
Bold text indicates active muscles
Gray text indicates stabilizing muscles
* indicates deep muscles
DO IT RIGHT
LOOK FOR
• Keeping your arms parallel to the floor.
AVOID
• Curling your neck too far forward.
• Allowing your feet to raise off the floor.
BEST FOR
• rectus abdominis
• latissimus dorsi
• pectoralis major
• sternohyoid
• sternocleidomastoid
• deltoideus
• biceps brachii
QUICK GUIDE
TARGET
• Upper abdominal muscles
BENEFITS
• Strengthens core muscles
• Increases abdominal endurance
NOT ADVISABLE IF YOU HAVE
• Cervical spine issues