Crunch Time
Have you ever found yourself tired and bored with the same old ab work outs? Day after day you’re doing three sets of fifty something sit ups just to get those iron tough abs to start peeking out only to find them still hiding. There are many ways to get the ab results you want without having to only do sit ups. Crunches are one way to exercise the core area and gain the results you’re looking for. The good thing about crunches is you don’t have to do it just one way, there are many ways to crunch those abs into place. Crunches are similar to sit ups except that instead of lifting your entire back off the floor, you only lift you upper back. This isolates the abdominal muscles without engaging muscles in you hips. Below are three fun ways to get your crunch on.
#1. Standard Crunch: This is for beginners. Cross your arms on your chest, bring your shoulders off the floor and draw your belly button in towards your spine, lifting just enough to feel the burn in your abs. Try this work out three reps of fifty.
#2. Bicycle Crunch: This might be my favorite. It’s a good way to get your blood pumping and more parts of your body moving. With your hands behind your head, elbows extended out, lying flat on your back. Lift your legs up to about 90 degree angle and you alternate each leg as if you’re cycling in the air, but bringing the opposite elbow to meet the knee that is coming up.
#3. Stand up Crunch: This one is really simple and easy. Just as it says you’re standing up, legs shoulder width apart and your hands behind your head. You’re going to do the crunch move just as if you are lying down. To add a little resistance try using 10 lbs dumbbells and instead of your hands behind your head, they’re on your side and you’re alternating side crunches. This will help get those love handles toned up.
As you can see crunches are not as bad as boring sit ups and it can be done in many ways. The next abs day, try using some of the methods mentioned and you’ll see the difference. Remember the most important thing is to do only do as much as your body allows. Have fun crunching away!
The Kimmy Nicole
