Do try this at home: Abdominal curls

Stomach for action: banish beer belly and pizza podginess with this exercise, but remember not to bash your head on the way down.

Jeff Archer
Sunday 15 July 2001 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Why do it?

To strengthen and tone the trunk area.

Method

Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Stabilise your lower back by tightening the pelvic floor, and then use your abdominal muscles to curl up at the waist and lift the shoulders from the floor. Keep your head in line with your body at all times – if you find this difficult, try to imagine you have got an orange wedged between your chin and your chest. Your pelvis and legs should not move while you lift the shoulders. Pause briefly at the top of the movement and then lower slowly, without ever letting your head drop back to the floor.

Applications

A strong abdominal area is crucial for all activities and particularly important for protecting the lower back.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in