Decline Bench Crunches Guide

Decline bench crunches are an isolation exercise that primarily targets the rectus abdominis muscle, commonly known as the "six-pack" muscle. This exercise is performed lying on a decline bench with the feet anchored, and involves flexing the trunk to lift the shoulders off the bench. The external and internal obliques, located on the sides of the waist, also assist in the movement as secondary muscles. The transverse abdominis, a deep muscle located underneath the rectus abdominis, and the hip flexors are activated to a lesser extent as tertiary and quaternary muscles, respectively. Decline bench crunches can help to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles, and are commonly used in fitness and bodybuilding programs.