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Captain's Chair Exercise - One of the Top Ab Exercises

Learn How to Safely Perform the Captain's Chair Exercise

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com

Updated: May 9, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Medical Review Board

Captain's Chiar Exercise

Captain's Chiar Exercise

E. Quinn
The Captain's Chair exercise came in second on the list of best exercises for the rectus abdominus. This is the conclusion of a study at San Diego State University that compared 13 common abdominal exercises in order to find which ones really strengthen the abs. Each exercise was ranked for muscle stimulation (measured with EMG) in the rectus abdominus and the internal and external obliques.

This was one of the few ab exercises on the "most effective" list that requires gym equipment.

Question: How Does the Captain's Chair Exercise Work the Abdominals?

How to Do the Captain's Chair Exercise

  • Start with legs dangling and slowly lift your knees in toward your chest.
  • The motion should be controlled and deliberate as you bring your knees up and return them back to the starting position.

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