This exercise works more than just your stomach muscles; it helps strengthen your whole core, making you more stable and balanced.

It's suitable for everyone, whether you're a beginner or already work out regularly.

Doing overhead crunches regularly can make your core much stronger and improve your balance.

A strong core is important for many other exercises, so overhead crunches are a good base to build on.

To do an overhead crunch, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Extend your arms straight up towards the ceiling.

Slowly lift your head and shoulders off the floor, bringing your elbows towards your knees. Keep your lower back pressed to the floor.

Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position. Repeat this movement for a set number of repetitions.

Remember to breathe properly throughout the exercise. Inhale as you lower down and exhale as you lift up.

Start with a number of repetitions you can comfortably do and gradually increase as you get stronger.

They make your stomach muscles stronger. This means the muscles in your belly get bigger and better at their job.

Doing overhead crunches helps you keep your balance better. Because it uses your arms and your middle, you get more coordinated.

These crunches help improve your posture and stability. A stronger core helps you stand and move more easily.

Overhead crunches can make you more flexible. They stretch and strengthen the muscles around your middle, making you more bendy.

Extend your arms straight up over your head. Keep your arms shoulder-width apart. Don't let your arms bend during the exercise. Keep them straight to help maintain balance.

Tighten your stomach muscles (your core). Imagine you're trying to pull your belly button towards your spine. This is key to doing the exercise correctly and using the right muscles.

Slowly lift your shoulder blades off the floor. Only lift your upper back; your lower back should stay on the floor. Don't try to lift your whole body. The movement should be controlled and gentle.

Bring your torso towards your knees, but don't force it. You should feel your abdominal muscles working. The goal is to move as far as you comfortably can while keeping your lower back on the floor.

Pause for a second at the top of the movement. Squeeze your stomach muscles hard to get the most benefit from the exercise. This helps to strengthen your core.

Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position. Control the movement all the way down. Don't just drop back to the floor; this could hurt your back.

Repeat the exercise several times. Start with a number you can easily manage, and gradually increase as you get stronger. Listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain.

Crunch on a stability ball: This makes your abs work harder because the ball is wobbly. It also lets you move your body more, which is good for building stronger muscles.

Cable kneeling crunch: This uses a cable machine to add weight, making your workout tougher. It works your stomach muscles and the muscles on the sides of your waist.

Decline crunch: Doing crunches on a slanted bench makes them harder. This is because gravity helps pull you down, making your abs work more to lift you up. It's great for working both the top and bottom of your stomach muscles.

These exercises all work the same main muscles as overhead crunches but they are different enough to keep your workouts interesting. This helps you build stronger core muscles overall.

Cable Kneeling Crunch: This uses a cable machine for resistance. You kneel, making your core work harder to stay steady and strong. It mainly works your rectus abdominis (the main 'six-pack' muscle) and obliques (the muscles on the sides of your waist).

Cable Seated Crunch: Similar to the kneeling version, but you sit. This gives you controlled resistance while protecting your lower back. It's good for building core strength safely.

Decline Crunch: You lie on a bench that's angled downwards. This makes the crunch harder and works both your upper and lower abs more fully.

Floor Crunches: A simple exercise you can do anywhere. You lie on your back and lift your shoulders off the floor. This focuses on your abdominal muscles and is easy to adjust to your fitness level.

Each variation offers something different: more resistance, a bigger range of movement, or better stability. Try different ones to find what you like best and what helps you reach your fitness goals.

Don't Pull with Your Arms: Focus on using your stomach muscles to lift your head and shoulders. If you're pulling with your arms, you're not working your abs as much, and the exercise isn't as helpful.

Keep Your Back Straight: Imagine a straight line from your shoulders to your hips. Rounding your back can hurt your back and make the exercise less effective. Keep your core muscles tight to help support your back.

No Hip Lifting: Your hips should stay on the ground throughout the whole exercise. Lifting them puts extra pressure on your lower back, which can lead to pain. Keep your lower back pressed to the floor.

A strong core helps you with balance and everyday movements.

To do an overhead crunch, lie on your back with your arms straight up.

Keep your arms straight above you throughout the exercise. This helps engage your core more effectively.

Slowly lift your head and shoulders off the floor, using your abdominal muscles.

Don't pull on your neck; let your abs do the work. This prevents injury.

Hold for a moment at the top, feeling the squeeze in your abs.

This isometric hold adds extra core engagement.

Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position.

Controlled movements are key for proper form and to prevent injury.

Repeat this movement for several repetitions.

Start with a number you can manage with good form and gradually increase as you get stronger.

Remember to breathe! Exhale as you lift and inhale as you lower.

Breathing helps control the movement and keeps you from holding your breath.

Don't arch your back; keep it pressed to the floor.

Arching your back can lead to injury; keep your lower back flat against the floor.

Overhead crunches are just one part of a good fitness routine.

Combine them with other exercises for a well-rounded workout.