Incline Crunches - Martial Arts Core Exercise

This page provides details on Incline Crunches (also known as Decline Crunches). This is an exercise used by some martial artists in order to strengthen their core muscles. A stronger core allows martial artists to better withstand hits (i.e. a punch to the stomach). Moreover, a stronger core helps to improve a martial artist's "rotational" or twisting power and this contributes to stronger kicks, punches and grappling techniques.

The incline crunch uses an ab or incline bench in order to increase the difficulty of traditional crunches. To further increase the impact on their core muscles, some martial artists also hold a weight (i.e. barbell plate) to their chest or behind their head while doing this exercise. Incline crunches should not be confused with incline sit-ups.

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. For more exercises, please visit the main Core Exercises section.