During the Reclined Bound Angle Crunch, what should you do with the elbows?

During the Reclined Bound Angle Crunch, what should you do with the elbows?

• A. Elbows tucked under
• B. Elbows in toward ribs
• C. Elbows out wide
• D. Elbows pointed to ceiling

Answer: (C)

Elbow position during this crunch is about keeping the upper body open and protecting the neck while you use the abs. When the elbows are out wide, the chest stays open, the shoulder blades can stay stable against the back, and the neck remains in a neutral position. This lets you lift the shoulders with the abdominal muscles rather than pulling on the head or tensing the neck. If the elbows tuck under or come in toward the ribs, it can crowd the torso and create neck or shoulder strain, and pointing the elbows to the ceiling can elevate the shoulders and throw off alignment. So, elbows out wide is the best choice for safe, effective engagement of the core.

Elbow position during this crunch is about keeping the upper body open and protecting the neck while you use the abs. When the elbows are out wide, the chest stays open, the shoulder blades can stay stable against the back, and the neck remains in a neutral position. This lets you lift the shoulders with the abdominal muscles rather than pulling on the head or tensing the neck. If the elbows tuck under or come in toward the ribs, it can crowd the torso and create neck or shoulder strain, and pointing the elbows to the ceiling can elevate the shoulders and throw off alignment. So, elbows out wide is the best choice for safe, effective engagement of the core.