Neck pulls forward on the crunch
SCM and scalenes assist; rectus abdominis is underloaded.
Overactive muscles
SCMScalenesSuboccipitals
Corrective work
Foam RollSuboccipitals (lacrosse ball)↗StretchSCM / scalene stretch↗Core · Core
Swiss Ball Crunch
Coaching cues
- Sit on the ball; walk forward until the lower back is supported
- Hands behind head; crunch upward — spinal flexion
- The ball allows a full eccentric stretch at the bottom
- Breathe out on the crunch; breathe in on the descent
Common faults 2
Hip flexors drive the crunch — no spinal flexion
Body rises without the spine actually curling.
Overactive muscles
Hip flexorsRectus femoris
Corrective work
Foam RollHip flexors↗StretchHalf-kneeling hip flexor stretch↗