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Crunches
Simple question: What exactly are crunches, how do you do them, why should you do them, what do they help with? Thanks!
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Crunches are the most Ab-Specific exercise one can do. They are the most direct because they involve the abs in their most natural movement- bring the chest closer to the pelvis; hence a "Crunch". They will help to increase the muscularity of your midsection, the 6 muscles which make up the "Rectis-Abdominis" or more commonly known- Abs, but will not increase definition.
People who read my advice know that Iam not very into showcasing the cosmetic parts of a good body over the health aspect, but the cosmetic aspect certainly is gratifying so that is one reason.
The main reason people SHOULD do crunches instead of looking good is because a strong set of abs helps to counterract many lower back problems that plague vast amounts of people.
Execution:
-Lay flat on your back
-Bring your knees up as much as possible
-Get comfortable by either locking your hands behind your head or keeping them out to your sides during the movement (This is what I do)
-In a very slow and concentrated movement act as if you are trying to make your chest touch your pelvis and hold the peak contraction for 2 seconds and lower yourself back to the starting position and repeat.
Tips:
-Inhale on the way down, Exhale on the way up
-Most importantly- do these SLOW, you will see lots of people just going as fast as they can...this is very wrong, feel the contraction in the stomach and hold it and make your movements very deliberate...speed is not a factor here, but rather quality of contraction.
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