Do crunches really help you lose belly fat?

Question

Or is it just a myth? my friend told me that they just gain you mussle? Is this true? If so what else can I do? And how long do I do this for? Dont tell me to run or walk tho, because I already know that! Thanks

Answer 1

You said not to tell you to run or walk, but that's the best way to burn fat. You can not spot train...as everyone else before me has stated. Crunches are a great strength training method for your abdominal muscle...as compared to sit ups which are now contraindicated (meaning they are not safe) by many fitness experts like NSCA and ACSM. Something to keep in mind as well, is that "what you do to the front, you must do the back". In other words, after doing crunches you should engage in exercises to strengthen your back muscle. For example, the plank is a great strength training exercise for your lower back. The core includes your abdominals and your back muscles. Another great tool is "contraction / relaxation". Throughout the day you can engage your abdominals by contracting for a few seconds, and then relaxing them.
When doing crunches, start off with 2 sets of 20 repetitions. Don't speed through them...numbers don't count if your form is poor. Rather keep the movement slow and controlled, focusing on contracting your abs, and not pulling yourself up with your neck. A good tip is to place your fingertips on the back of your head and keep your chin off your chest by picking a focus point on the ceiling (some people try to envision an orange between their chin & chest).
Of course remember to set realistic goals, and keep in mind your diet and eating habits also play a major part.

Answer 2

I agree with everyone else about crunches/spot reduction doesn't control everything. But if you exercise your arm... your leg won't get leaner.
I did modified sit-ups(aka crunches-- if raising your shoulders off the ground and when the back started lifting, stop and start over and do it until your body stops you.) for 2 weeks. every night instead of the every other day that was recommended and my husband (who doesn't make comments) said that my stomach looked flatter. My ab muscles got the work out nightly and got tighter... so the loose flesh and fat didn't hang any more, so I had the understandable illusion of losing weight. (I don't believe I did, but people don't look at your scale, just what you LOOK like.)
You might not be able to lose everywhere from crunches, but you can target an areas muscles and if they get worked out, something will happen to them.
I am currently wanting to work my buns, thighs and hips... if I target them, something will happen. Might not lose weight but that helps. Yes, you will gain muscles but only if you target muscles and really work them. I'm just looking for leaner definition. Not muscles or weight loss. Hope my opinion helps.

Answer 3

Just because you do crunches for 20 or 30 minutes, after you loose your carbs your body will go to what ever fat store it wants to for energy, which can very from person to person but 99 percent of the time is not your midsection. and whats wrong with a bit of muscle, I'd rather have a little potbelly of muscle over a ruler of flab any day

Answer 4

Watch this video at http://www.customizedfatloss.link to learn how you can lose belly fat and get six pack abs in a short period of time. It will blow your mind. I was able to lose the belly fat and get ripped in only 6 weeks.

You will also have access to a fully customizable online weight loss software system which uses body type, age, sex, weight and current fitness level to determine the most appropriate amount of food to eat and when. It also includes a training program specific to your body type. Good luck!

Answer 5

As mentioned previously, spot reduction (losing fat from just one part of your body) is impossible. Crunches will help you to develop your mid section which gives it a more "flat" appearance. To reduce your overall bodyfat, including around your waist, follow a diet that does not meet your daily caloric needs and follow an overall exercise program that will increase your muscle mass to help you burn more calories per day.

Answer 6

Crunches are just a lazy sit up. I would start doing crunches untill you get use to it then move up to sit ups. It will take some fat if you do it alot.

Answer 7

I've lost 5 kilos in my first week. It's my 10th day and I have included salad with some protein (eg. egg/ lean chicken) as you suggested. After 4 years of trying, the fat is finally coming off. It truly feels like magic!

Get started today!

Answer 8

The only way you burn off fat is to gain muscle. So in answering your question it does and can help you lose the jelly belly.

Answer 9

NO! Well...I've had 3 c-sections. With that said, NOTHING besides surgery will ever return my stomach to hard flat abs again. Not even sits ups/crunches. Believe me, scar tissue cannot be firmed. If that is your problem, than we share the same fact of life.......... sorry!

Answer 10

sorry dear but you cant isolate fat loss, but the good thing about fat is were you gain fat first is also were you loose fat first, the only way i know to loose fat without chemicals or drugs is to be active and eat heathy.