Position your feet as wide as your hips.

Place your hands behind your head so that your thumbs are tucked behind your ears.

Hold your elbows slightly out to the sides and keep your chin pointing upward.

Curl up and forward so that your head, neck and shoulder blades lift off the floor. Make sure you're not pulling your head forward with your hands. If your chin is making contact with your chest, the abdominal muscles aren't being used in the exercise.

Pause for a moment. Lift your head up enough so that your middle and lower back stay on the floor. Squeeze your abdominals as you pause.

Slowly lower your head, neck and shoulder blades to starting position.

Keep your knees bent, your feet in the same position and your back straight throughout the entire exercise.