How to Do Ab Crunches

Ab or abdominal crunches are a great way to tighten sagging abdominal muscles, helping to create the perfect flat stomach. But if you don't do them correctly, you can strain muscles or even not engage the correct muscles. Luckily, doing a workout that engages your abdominal muscles is easy with the following tips.

Instructions

1. Lie down and get comfortable on a floor mat or on a carpeted floor.

2. Bend your knees and press your lower back into the floor. Pull your belly button down toward the floor. Your stomach should go in.

3. Put your hands behind your neck or on your chest and lift your shoulder blades a few inches off the floor, focusing on your abdominal muscles. Keep your back flat and avoid flopping your knees.

4. Exhale as you lift up; inhale as you go back down.

5. Look straight forward so that you don't inadvertently move your neck. If you're having problems not moving your neck, put your hands on your chest or extend your arms and hands straight out and then lift up.

6. Do 25 to 50 repetitions and then take a few minutes break so you don't strain your muscles or cause sore muscles after your workout. If it's been a while since you've done ab crunches, start with a lower number of repetitions and work your way up over several weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• You will not get a flat stomach if you don't change to a low calorie, healthy diet and do some aerobic workouts.

• Always check with your care provider before starting any new exercise regime.