Are crunches or sit-ups good for you?

Answer 1

Crunches are probably better for you than situps, but they both are good for you.

Answer 2

The crunch, sometimes called a curl-up, is one of the most common exercises for the abdominal muscles, primarily the rectus abdominis. It is performed while lying face up on the floor with knees bent, by curling the shoulders up towards the pelvis. The hands may be placed behind the head, but care should be taken not to pull on the neck. Alternatively, the hands may be placed on the shoulders, with the forearms crossed over the chest.

Unlike the sit-up, the lower back should not leave the floor. This is said to eliminate any involvement by the hip flexors, and make the crunch an effective isolation exercise for the abdominals. The difficulty of the crunch can be increased by lying on a decline bench and/or holding a weight on the chest. Alternatively, a crunch machine may be used.

Critics of the crunch have pointed out that the hip flexors are not in fact eliminated from the movement by the lower back being kept on the ground. Tension spreads from the abdominals to the hip flexors, and the tension of the hip flexors reduces the workload on the rectus abdominis.

Variants include:

The reverse crunch is performed by curling the legs and pelvis towards the shoulders. More emphasis is placed on the lower abdominals.
The twisting crunch is performed by lifting one shoulder at a time. More emphasis is placed on the obliques.
The cable crunch is performed while kneeling upright by curling the body to pull down on a cable machine. The hips should be kept motionless, so that the individual's bodyweight does not assist the movement.

Answer 3

Yes and for it to be really affective you should do them 3 times a week 5 reps of 20

Answer 4

crunches are better than sit-ups because it is easier on your back. they are both good for toning your stomach but again crunches are better.

Answer 5

Yes though have to be performed correctly.
Never put your chin to your chest - imagine your holding a melon inbetween your chin and chest.
Never pull you elbows in towards each other - and always be aware which part of your body is actually doing the work.. . . Your abs!
Enjoy!

Answer 6

Yes. As part of a balanced exercise programme.

Try doing them to music, it makes them much more fun.

Answer 7

crunches

Answer 8

Yes they are the best way to tone your stomach
I try to do them everynight

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

Yes they r, in fact they they lower the fat in your stomach