Smith Machine Raised Barbell Crunches - Upper Abdominals Six Pack Abs Exercise Guide

Technique - Start by setting the bar of the smith machine to a height just above your knees. Sit down on the floor in front of the bar and place the back of your ankles onto the bar. You may need to slide your butt forwards along the floor so that your legs are in a L-shape position. Keep your legs in the L-shape position but loose. We used a tricep bar for this exercise due to it's comfortable position but any barbell will do. Grip the bar directly behind your head and start the exercise when ready. Exhale as you crunch your upper body forwards, do not allow your lower back to raise from the floor. Squeeze your abs muscles at the top of the motion. Inhale as you lower your upper body back down in a slow, controlled manner not allowing the barbell to touch the floor or your abs to become fully relaxed before starting the next rep. This technique will help maintain pressure on the abs muscles and increase the overall benefits of the exercise.