Exercise · Core

Bicycle crunch

  • Strength

Works: The front and sides of your core.

Add to a routineUsed in 3 timer routines

How to do it

Line drawing of a bicycle crunch: lying with the head and shoulders lifted and hands behind the head, one elbow coming towards the opposite knee as the other leg straightens, then the other side.
  1. Lie on your back, hands lightly behind your head, knees bent above your hips.
  2. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor.
  3. Bring your right elbow towards your left knee as you straighten your right leg out.
  4. Switch sides slowly, as if pedalling.

Watch out for

Pulling on your neck, and rushing.

Make it easier or harder

  1. 1Feet down: knees bent and feet on the floor, turn your shoulders towards each knee in turn.
  2. 2Bicycle crunch.
  3. 3Slow bicycle crunch, pausing on each side.
  4. 4Straighten each leg out lower, closer to the floor.

Do the difficulty that suits you.

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Safety and disclaimer

The workouts, exercise instructions and effort guide on this page are general information for adults. They are not tailored to you, they are not medical or professional advice, and they may not be suitable for you. They do not replace advice from a professional who knows you. Although exercise can be good for your health, all exercise carries some risk of injury.

Get advice from a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional before you start if:

  • you have a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other long-term condition
  • you have ever had chest pain, fainting or dizziness, with or without exercise
  • you have an injury, a joint or back problem, or pain when you move
  • you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year
  • you have recently had an operation, or been ill
  • you take medicine that affects your heart rate, blood pressure or balance
  • you are new to exercise, or coming back after a long break
  • a doctor or other professional has told you to limit or avoid exercise
  • you have any other concern about your health

Stop straight away if you get chest pain or tightness, feel faint or dizzy, become unusually short of breath, feel your heart racing or beating irregularly, or feel sharp pain. Call 999, or your local emergency number, if you have chest pain or tightness, or if any of these does not settle quickly with rest.

Start at a level that feels comfortable and build up gradually. Clear the space around you, use a floor that is not slippery, and make sure any chair, step, bench or equipment is sturdy and will not move.

You choose whether to do these exercises and how hard to work, and you do them at your own risk. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.