Crunches vs. Sit Ups

Cindy393

Can someone tell me the difference in benefits when it comes to sit ups vs. crunches?

tomg33

Technically there is a fair difference but practically it doesn't matter. You can do one, both, or none.

Compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, overhead press, rows and bench press are extremely good for the "abs." Also, some good direct exercises are decline sit-ups, hanging leg raises, ab wheel, planks, pallof presses, wood chop, and stuff like Yoga and Pilates is actually pretty damn good, also for overall flexibility and mobility.


EDIT: Unless you literally meant, "how do I perform these exercises?" in which case you should bookmark this website for future reference.

Sit-up:
http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/RectusAbdominis/BWSitUp.html

Crunch:
http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/RectusAbdominis/BWCrunch.html

RobynLB83

You will tend to use your back and leg muscles more when doing a situp. Crunches isolate your ab muscles more, but a lot of people don't do a sufficient range of motion in a crunch and over isolate, so they would almost be better off doing situps.

Cindy393

You will tend to use your back and leg muscles more when doing a situp. Crunches isolate your ab muscles more, but a lot of people don't do a sufficient range of motion in a crunch and over isolate, so they would almost be better off doing situps.

This is what I'm looking for--thanks!