How to Do Crunches Calisthenics Exercise

Many people mistakenly believe that they have to do hundreds of crunches to get a great-looking abdomen. Fortunately, the quality of your crunch is far more important than quantity. Here are steps for completing quality crunches to tighten those abs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Lie on your back and place your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, but don't interlace your fingers. Keep your elbows on the floor or as close to the floor as you can comfortably get.

2. Tighten your abdominal muscles to draw your pelvis toward you and press the small of your back against the floor. Keep your abdominals tight throughout the exercise to avoid stressing your back.

3. Raise your head and shoulders off the floor. Take care to keep your elbows back to avoid pulling your head forward and injuring your neck. Don't tuck your chin into your chest and try to curl yourself toward your knees; instead, lift your head straight up toward the ceiling.

4. Lower your shoulders to the floor, but don't let your head touch the floor. Take care that you don't simply allow yourself to fall back

5. Repeat the exercise, working in sets and resting briefly in between, until your abdominal muscles begin to burn with fatigue.

Tips & Warnings

• Vary this exercise by lifting your legs off the floor, crossing your arms over your chest or twisting your torso as you lift your shoulders. Variations will work other muscles instead of your abdominals.

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