Glute-Ham Developer crunch

Instructions

1
Sit on a weight bench with your torso reclined at approximately 45 degrees. Secure your feet under the foot pads. Position your hands across your chest or behind your head with elbows bent. Maintain a neutral spine with slight posterior pelvic tilt.
2
Begin in the reclined position with your back supported against the bench pad. Engage your core by bracing your abdominal muscles. Keep your neck neutral with your gaze fixed upward throughout the movement.
3
Slowly lower your torso backward toward the bench in a controlled manner, allowing your abdominal muscles to lengthen under tension. Maintain a slight bend in your knees and keep your feet anchored under the pads. Lower until you reach a comfortable stretched position without hyperextending your lower back.
4
Contract your abdominal muscles and curl your torso forward and upward, lifting your shoulders off the bench. Drive the movement by flexing at the waist and bringing your ribcage toward your pelvis. Return to the starting position with controlled tension throughout the concentric phase.

PRIMARY MUSCLESRectus Abdominis
SECONDARY MUSCLESIliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Transverse Abdominis
EQUIPMENTBody weight
DIFFICULTYIntermediate

Overview

Athletic trainers and bodybuilding coaches frequently recommend the Glute-Ham Developer crunch because it challenges the Rectus Abdominis through a dynamic range of motion. By relying on Body weight, it reinforces proper movement patterns and builds robust strength in the Waist region.

Benefits

  • Significantly enhances the structural integrity and power of the Rectus Abdominis.
  • Promotes balanced muscular development by effectively recruiting the Rectus Abdominis and associated synergists.
  • Allows for a natural movement path that closely mimics functional daily activities.

Pro Tips

Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the Glute-Ham Developer crunch for 3-4 seconds to drastically increase time under tension.

Exercise Variations

  • Dumbbell Glute-Ham Developer crunch
  • Cable Glute-Ham Developer crunch
  • Banded Glute-Ham Developer crunch

Beginner Tips

If you are new to the Glute-Ham Developer crunch, focus on mastering the movement pattern with zero weight before adding Body weight.

Frequently Asked Questions