Crunches vs sit ups vs neither

Smuterella

So, on another thread there has been a discussion about whether or not to work the oblique muscles as it can make the waist look wider. Also someone mentioned that they do both crunches and sit ups.

How is a crunch different to a sit up?

(I, for some reason, always thought of crunches as the new and improved replacement for the sit up. Influence of the media perhaps? :-P)

Should one incorporate both?

Do oblique exercises create a wider waist?

Does one need to do ab exercises at all if you just want to reduce waist size and not get "abs"?

Any and all input and opinion gratefully received.

AntWrig

So, on another thread there has been a discussion about whether or not to work the oblique muscles as it can make the waist look wider. Also someone mentioned that they do both crunches and sit ups.

How is a crunch different to a sit up?

(I, for some reason, always thought of crunches as the new and improved replacement for the sit up. Influence of the media perhaps? :-P)

Should one incorporate both?

Do oblique exercises create a wider waist?

Does one need to do ab exercises at all if you just want to reduce waist size and not get "abs"?

Any and all input and opinion gratefully received.

Side bends widen the transverse abdominis. Oblique exercises target the obliques. Crunch and sit-up are ALMOST the same. With the sit-up you move all the up to your thighs, on the crunch you go halfway.

Neither exercise is needed for a flat stomach.

Helloitsdan

Deadlifts and squats!
=D

Smuterella

That is what I'm thinking. I hate ab work, it bores me silly and would like to just get rid of it ASAP.

Espressocycle

I can't do either. It seriously just kills my back and has ever since I was a little kid. However, I've been doing one of the ab exercises on my bowflex where your lower back remains supported and it's allowing me to really work the abs for the first time, which is part of my goal to strengthen my core to make up for my bad knees a litle.

Smuterella

anyone else have an opinion?

BerryH

Planks and side planks engage the entire core and will improve your posture which helps give the illusion of a flatter tummy while strengthening your mid-section. Try raising a leg and/or the opposite arm to make it harder.

Aperture_Science

I stopped doing any ABS work when I started following a compound lifting program (Starting Strength). My core has never been stronger. But if I were to do any specific core work wit would be through planks rather than crunches/sit ups.

Planks are safer.

slrrese

I do several different AB exercises including crunches, planks, etc... but I like them. I also do them because I am taking a pole dancing class and increasing my core strength helps a great deal. There are lots of other exercises that work your core, so I don't think crunches/sit ups are a must.