You raise your head and your legs at the same time on exercise No. 2. When I do Exercise No. 4, I put my head back (gently) as I am starting to raise up, all in one smooth motion. Doncha just love the instructions for Exercise No. 3 where they instruct you to "throw" the head and neck backward. Be gentle with your neck and head. I am up to 17 reps by the way.