Beginners' Guide to Exercise: Stomach Crunches

The crunch is a small movement that gives fantastic results if performed properly and regularly.  Your journey to six-pack abs starts here!

How do a stomach crunch:

1.       Lie with your back against the floor, fingers behind the ears with knees bent and feet flat against the floor.

2.       Keeping your lower back ironed against the floor, lift your shoulders by folding yourself at the belly button.  Look straight up at the ceiling, do not bring your chin to your chest, keep your back, neck and head in alignment.

 3.       Lower your back down onto the ground.

Tip: Don't let your arms creep forward - concentrate on keeping your elbows pointing out at each side. Gently cradle the head in the hands and let your tummy muscles do the work.

The primary muscles used in this exercise are the abdominals in the stomach. This move will help you get a flat, toned tummy.

Too Easy?: To increase the intensity of this exercise, lift your feet away from the floor.

Safety: Seek advice from a medical professional before starting any exercise programme. Stop immediately if you feel pain. The first time you perform this exercise should be under the supervision of a qualified fitness professional.

By Anna Reich

Anna is a nationally accredited Level 3 Personal Trainer specialising in strength, toning and cardio vascular fitness, with the acclaimed NASM qualifaction in program design and corrective exercise.