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What is an Abdominal Crunch?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An abdominal crunch or simply a "crunch" is an exercise which is designed to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles. This exercise is very easy to do at home, and people who perform exercise at home often like to integrate crunches into their routines. In addition to the basic abdominal crunch, it is also possible to perform what is known as an oblique sit up, a variation on the crunch which uses slightly different muscles.

In an abdominal crunch, the body is slowly curled upwards from a prone position, with the abdominal muscles doing the work. This contributes to the development of a strong core, which promotes good posture and reduces the risk of injury. It also strengthens and tones the stomach muscles. For people who are concerned about the appearance of the stomach, one of the big advantages of abdominal crunches is that they tend to trim down the waistline and stomach area, creating more definition and smoother lines in tailored garments.

Abdominal crunches may help tone abdominal muscles.
Abdominal crunches may help tone abdominal muscles.

To perform a crunch properly, someone must lie flat, with the knees bent and the feet placed flat on the ground, hip-width apart. The hands can be loosely placed behind the head or along the sides of the head, or rested on the chest. Then, the exerciser takes a deep breath, pulling the belly button down towards the floor in the process, and slowly curls up on the exhale, keeping the feet and pelvis on the ground. If the hands are placed behind the head to support the neck, they should not be used to pull the head forward.

Side crunches are a common oblique exercise.
Side crunches are a common oblique exercise.

Once someone has crunched up as far as possible, which may not be very high for people just starting out with crunches, the position is usually held for a moment before the body is slowly lowered back to the ground. After coming to a complete stop, the exercise can be repeated. In the oblique sit up, the legs are bent and placed to one side, and the exerciser crunches as he or she would normally, switching sides halfway through to work the muscles on both sides of the body evenly.

Exercises that work the abdominal muscles include bicycle-style crunch and other types of crunches.
Exercises that work the abdominal muscles include bicycle-style crunch and other types of crunches.

There are some caveats to keep in mind when performing an abdominal crunch to make sure that the exercise is safe and productive. It is important to avoid pulling on or straining the head during crunches, and the chin should be kept up and out; if the chin is touching the chest, this can cause strain. Exercisers should also avoid the temptation to use the momentum of their bodies to propel themselves while doing crunches, as this makes the exercise less effective, and it can cause strain or injury.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Abdominal crunches may help tone abdominal muscles.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Abdominal crunches may help tone abdominal muscles.
    • Side crunches are a common oblique exercise.
      By: AntonioDiaz
      Side crunches are a common oblique exercise.
    • Exercises that work the abdominal muscles include bicycle-style crunch and other types of crunches.
      By: chaoss
      Exercises that work the abdominal muscles include bicycle-style crunch and other types of crunches.
    • It is important to avoid pulling on the head during crunches, so as to avoid strain.
      By: Dirima
      It is important to avoid pulling on the head during crunches, so as to avoid strain.
    • Unlike sit-ups, crunches mostly use the abdominal muscles and not the psoas muscles alongside the spine.
      By: lunamarina
      Unlike sit-ups, crunches mostly use the abdominal muscles and not the psoas muscles alongside the spine.