How to Do Crunches

Sit-ups and crunches are great ways to exercise your abdominal muscles. Sit-ups require you to raise yourself all the way up, while crunches require only a slight lift off the ground. Crunches put less strain on your spine, so it might be easier to start with them.

Lying flat on your back, come up nice and slow, pulling your abs in. Then lower yourself back down.

A few keys to remember:

· Progress gradually. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Listen to your body. When you need a rest, rest.

· A solid program must train both the upper and lower body.

· Know why you are performing each exercise. Set goals and lift weights because you want to, not because someone wants you to.

· Always breathe during a repetition and go through a full range of motion.

· Always consult with your family doctor before beginning any new exercise program.