Are Crunches Bad? (Long!)

It's a good chance that you've watched the news in recent months, or read the fitness magazines or sites, you're most likely going to begin noticing a growing trend. For now, I'll call it "crunch bashing". "Crunch-bashing" is simply this: it is the knowledge that most of the popular crunches of today are a waste of time, coupled with controversy-driven, opinionated selling. It's a viscious cycle, and this article will help steer you in the right direction.

Crunches: Are They Evil or Good?

In this entry, I'll tell you what is wrong with crunches. And, almost oxymoronic, I will release to you a type of "crunch" that really works ALONG WITH your anatomy to help define your stomach muscles.

To begin with, it is necessary to understand that your body has absolutely no clue what is physically pleasing. Its main focus is function. The trade off is this: if the body is put into positions of functionality, it will give us visually pleasing results. Working against these functions will ultimately slow progress down.

Crunches (the sit-up kind) do not deliver full functionality because the rectus abdominis muscles (the muscles that give you a six pack) are meant to function by crunching the pelvis TOWARD the ribs, rather than the ribs toward the pelvis.

Think of it in terms of your daily routine, there is little to no resistance against stomach muscles when you hunch forward to pick something up. The abdominal muscles are actually relaxed and the lower back lessens its contraction to allow you to bend. This does not work the abs. In this case, they are not being worked.

Crunching is an ineffective exercise simply because they do not work the rectus abdominis muscles in the way that is most functional for them.

If you want a crunch that does work: it is known as the reverse crunch. This is how reverse crunches are done:

1. Lie on your back. Grab a weight, couch, or bed above your head for stability.
2. Bend your legs and attempt to touch your forhead with your knees.
3. Bring your legs back to the floor.

At the top of the movement, your shoulder blades and the top of your back should have been the only two things touching the floor. Your pelvis and lower back should have been lifted, and your face should have been in the middle of your knees (approximately). When this is done with enough repetition, you are functionally working your rectus abdominis and promoting true stimulation to your muscles.

I know that this is a long post, but I wanted to give this information to you for you to use. :D Leave me a comment below on what you think!