Crunch in the Short Strap with Diagonal & Twist

Spring Setting and Key Facts

Springs

1× light

Reps

6–8 reps per variation

Level

Beginner

Equipment

Reformer

Body area

Core, Hips

Muscles

Rectus abdominis, Obliques, Hip flexors

Starting Position

Lying on your back on the carriage, both hands in the left short strap, legs in tabletop, long arms reaching up toward the ceiling.

Step-by-Step Flow

1. Bring both hands between the legs (crunch).
2. Hold the crunch and extend the legs into the diagonal.
3. Pulse in the crunch, then bring both legs back to tabletop.
4. Bring the long arms down to the left beside the hip and back up toward the ceiling.
5. Pulse in the twist beside the left hip.
6. Repeat everything on the other side: both hands in the right short strap.

Cues for Teaching

• The crunch comes from the breastbone, the neck stays long.
• The legs only go as low into the diagonal as the back stays still.
• In the twist the rib cage turns, the pelvis stays down.