stomach crunches

cokefloat1 · June 2015

Over the last 6 months I've been losing weight via cycling and diet which has been fine but I've wanted to improve all round fitness and as part of my weight lifting sessions want to include crunches to increase core strength but attempts previously have not been successful as my abs are very weak.

Question is, to improve strength initially what would you recommend? I've figured just crunches as far as I can go while still maintaining form in my back and neck and hopefully over time strength will increase so I can go further.

kindrabbit · June 2015

there are lots of ab exercises and workouts. Strength and stamina will come with time. Crunches are great, as are full sits, half sits, V sits, bicycles, push ups and planks, hanging leg raises. It will come with time.

neogramps · June 2015

Don't bother with crunches, there much better alternatives that don't put so much stress on your back.

Try seated leg lifts, hollow holds and work towards an l-sit.

If you have a pull-up bar or somewhere to hang, hanging leg raises are also great (bring your knees up to your chest, then aim to lift legs up to shoulder height with legs straight).

cokefloat1 · June 2015

The seated leg lifts look achievable, I don't think my upper body strength would allow the other suggestions especially the hanging exercises! Much time required to improve!!!

oilphins · June 2015

Another great ab workout is planking. If your abs are weak, you might not be able to hold very long, but over time it will strenghten your abs a lot.

markiend · June 2015

I have found planks to be most helpful. I hadn't tried any crunches for a few months and had been "planking" in the mean time but tried a few crunches and got to be about 80 ( a new pb ) Pretty sure the squats would have been helping too

stomach crunches

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