Abdominal Trunk Curl
strengthencore
A video demonstration is coming soon. Follow the step-by-step instructions below.
How to do it
- Lie supine with a small roll under the knees.
- Tilt the pelvis to flatten the lower back on the table by pulling up and in with the lower abdominal muscles.
- With arms extended forward, raise the head and shoulders from the table.
- Raise the upper trunk as high as the back will bend - do NOT come to a full sitting position.
Form cues
- Only the trunk-curl phase - avoid full sit-ups which shorten the hip flexors
- Progress resistance: arms folded across chest, then hands behind head
Dosage
Daily; hold the curl several seconds, ~10 reps; build endurance
Muscles worked


Strengthens: rectus abdominis, external oblique, lower abdominals
Target muscles
Related exercises
Reference: Kendall, Muscles Testing & Function 5th ed p.209