Proper way to do crunches

samster · 01-12-2005, 04:34 PM

I have clients that have been doing situps for years, yet some still can't come all the way up when doing a crunch. Any idea why some people can and some can't?

BiggerThanYou · 01-12-2005, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by samster:
I have clients that have been doing situps for years, yet some still can't come all the way up when doing a crunch. Any idea why some people can and some can't?

Situps have no use really. Personally, I do not see the usefulness of regular ole' crunches either. Other methods have been proven more effective.
*Hanging crunches are good.
*Regular compound exersizes work the abdominals a great deal. Doing a variety of compound exersizes and keeping a low body fat percentage will strengthen your abs and make them visible.
I know this didn't really answer your question directly. Their are much more effective methods in which to work your abs than crunches and, ugh, situps.

Hypertrophy · 01-13-2005, 02:17 AM

Doubt you would be able to talk any legitimate bodybuilders into doing away with their crunches. Say what you want but crunches do indeed serve a purpose, may not be 'functional' as the catch phrase would put it but cosmetically, they do work. BTW what are 'hanging crunches'?

Jean-Paul · 01-13-2005, 07:52 AM

Quote:

BTW what are 'hanging crunches'?

I assume those are done with inversion boots off a high bar. I like those too.

Crunches are helpful if that is all the client can do, but if you really want to build an impressive set of abs, you have to train your abs heavily just like any muscle. Hanging knee raises are beneficial.

Simon. · 01-13-2005, 09:21 AM

erm, from what I understand going all the way up actually hurts your back, is that true?
I've been doing them for a pretty long while and I'm not having any problems in my back, but I'm barely 17 years old so... ;o

Jean-Paul · 01-13-2005, 10:38 AM

What hurts your back? Full sit-ups or hanging crunches?

Simon. · 01-13-2005, 04:54 PM

well, what I was told was about full crunches but I'm guessing it applies evne more to hanging crunches. Basically anything where your back isn't on the floor damages it - when you do full crunches you raise your lower back.
Is that really true?

Caffeine · 01-13-2005, 05:23 PM

i just do my crunches on a workout ball.