| When it comes to our bodies, we all have one place or | | | | ensure that you do not bend your neck during the |
| another that we are somewhat unsatisfied with. You | | | | duration of the movement. Do not take your eyes off |
| always here people say things like "I hate my thighs" or | | | | this spot! The most common mistake while performing |
| "my butt is too big". Of course some of these things | | | | a crunch is too much stress on the neck as a result of |
| are said in jest, but there is still discontent hidden in | | | | pulling on it with the hands. |
| there. | | | | The next step is to stabilize the low back. This can be |
| Despite it all though, the one thing that has become | | | | done by tightening the muscles in the abdomen. |
| almost an obsession today is the way our abs look. It | | | | Slowly curl forward and up using your abdominal |
| seems that everyone is looking for those ever elusive | | | | muscles only. There should be no bending at the waist. |
| "six pack abs", but much like Ponce De Leon's search | | | | Keep your abdominal muscles firm for the entire |
| for the fountain of youth, it seems like it is impossible to | | | | duration to ensure low back stabilization. Keep your |
| find. | | | | focus on that spot on the ceiling to prevent neck pain |
| Now, while there is no "magical formula" for attaining a | | | | as a result of stress. At the top position your shoulder |
| flat, firm, and toned stomach, there is something you | | | | blades should only be between 4-8 inches off the |
| can do that if done regularly, will get you the results | | | | ground. There is no need to go any further. Pause at |
| that you are looking for. To get these results, stomach | | | | this top position. This whole movement should be |
| crunches need to be done daily but keep in mind that | | | | performed slowly and take about 2 seconds to |
| stomach exercises alone will not burn the fat off of | | | | perform. Pause at the top position for 1-2 seconds to |
| your midsection. | | | | ensure full contraction of the abdominal muscles. |
| Keeping your calories in check along with doing your | | | | Slowly return to the starting position keeping your abs |
| crunches everyday will be the way for you to see | | | | contracted. |
| that flat, chiseled, sexy stomach. Crunches are easy to | | | | That is all there is to it. The crunch is not a very big |
| do, and if done properly, are very effective for toning | | | | movement because you are working your abs only. A |
| those abs. Here is a step by step breakdown of the | | | | full sit-up does not work your abs better than the |
| proper way to get the most out of your crunches. | | | | crunch because once you are past the crunch position, |
| Lie flat on your back on the floor with your legs bent | | | | your abs are fully contracted and it is your hip muscles |
| to about a 90-degree angle with both your rear and | | | | that are straining to lift you up, not your abs. |
| your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind | | | | Doing a hundred of these a day is not the key here. |
| your head making sure not to interlock your fingers. | | | | Doing two to three sets of 15 to 20 of these at a slow |
| You can make your hands into fists so you do not pull | | | | and deliberate pace with good form is what is |
| up on the back of your neck. | | | | recommended for maximum benefits and minimum risk |
| The next thing to do is to pick a spot on the ceiling | | | | of injury. |
| directly above you. This should be done in order to | | | | |