Primary Muscles Worked:  Rectus Abdominus

1.    Start Position:  Lie on your back with the hands behind your head.  Slight fingertip pressure only.  Knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
2.    Exhale, contract your abs and lift the shoulder blades off the floor by rounding the back.   Press your low back into the floor and take your belly button to your spine.
3.    Pause at the top of the movement.
4.    Inhale and slowly lower down until your shoulder blades touch the floor.  
5.    Pause and repeat the movement.
6.    Avoid this exercise if you feel lower back or neck pain (or pain anywhere else).

Trainer Tips:
•    Proper form, posture and correct breathing are important – not only to isolate the targeted muscle group, but also to prevent injury.
•    Making the mind/muscle connection will insure that you get the most out of the exercise.
•    You may also perform this exercise with your hands across your chest.
•    Stay in a comfortable range of motion to keep the exercise in the abs.
•    Placing a towel behind your head may help to relieve stress in the upper back and neck.
•    Keep the range of motion very small, stay in the muscle.