The abdominal crunch is an exercise that many people are familiar with for strengthening their core muscles. It can be performed in a variety of ways, but typically it consists of bending the spine forwards until the upper body is parallel to the floor.
The crunch is one of the most popular exercises to strengthen abdominal muscles, and it’s important to learn how to perform one correctly to avoid strain and injury.
What Is The Abdominal Crunch?
The abdominal crunch is a common exercise that involves contracting the muscles of the abdomen to pull in the belly button. The crunch is often performed with feet on the ground, knees bent, and hands behind the head.
How to Perform The Abdominal Crunch: Step by Step Instructions
The Abdominal Crunch is a popular exercise for strengthening the muscles of the abdominal area.
Below are an easy to follow step by step instructions on how to perform an abdominal crunch with proper form.
1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor or with feet elevated while knees are bent.
2. Place your hands behind your head, fingers interlocked, and place your elbows under your shoulders.
3. Exhale and lift your head, neck, and shoulders and upper back off the floor by contracting abdominal muscles as if you are trying to touch your chin to your chest.
4. Slowly lower yourself down to the starting position.
Benefits Of Doing The Abdominal Crunch
You can do it anywhere
The Abdominal Crunch is a great exercise for strengthening and toning your core muscles. It is a simple movement that you can do at home, at the gym, or in a hotel room. You can also do them while watching TV or even during a movie!
Strengthens core muscles
The crunch strengthens your core muscles and helps you develop a stronger core. A strong core is a lot more beneficial than you might think. The core muscles help you to stay balanced and it helps you to maintain posture.
Burn calories
Ab crunches can help you burn calories, so it is a great way to up your exercise routine. First, the crunch provides resistance which helps engage your abdominal muscles, helping to tone them.
it will burn calories when performed intensely and you will definitely feel after burn (lactic acid) after doing some reps.
Abdominal Crunch Safety Precautions
Ab crunches are a good workout for the abdominal area, but they can also put some strain on your body. If you’re new to ab exercises, start slow and work your way up.
Take care not to over-extend beyond what feels comfortable and never force out any breath or strain your neck.
If you can’t do the crunch without pain, try a different ab exercise like a side plank or seated v ups. Go slowly if you notice any pain or strain.
What muscle does the abdominal crunch target?
The abdominal crunch is a strength exercise that targets the rectus abdominis muscle also called the abdominal wall. The rectus abdominis muscle is a long flat muscle that stretches across the front of the abdomen.
It is the only muscle that extends from the ribcage to the pelvis and is responsible for pulling your spine into an upright position. This muscle also helps with breathing, as it contracts during inhalation to pull air into the lungs.
Conclusion
The abdominal crunch is a common exercise that can be done at the gym, in your living room, or even in the office. This ab workout is a great way to strengthen and tighten your abs and give you a flat stomach appearance.
Strengthening the ab muscle can help improve daily activities or make it easier to get out of bed when you are recovering from an injury.