In the Mood for Something Crunchy?

Author: Shannon Miller

Everyone knows how to do the plain old crunch.  So, if your abdominal muscles are tired of this, give them something new – switch it up a little! 

Check out variations of the abdominal crunch that will be sure to leave your abs feeling good!

Bicycle

• Lie on back with legs straight.
• Gently place hands behind ears.
• Engage your upper abs and obliques pulling right shoulder to left knee.  Hold.
• Return foot and shoulder to floor moving immediately to work the opposite side.

12-24 reps on each side.

Roll Up

• Lie on your back with legs straight and arms over your head.
• Pull your navel to your spine.
• Keeping your heels on the floor, slowly roll up one vertebra at a time to a sitting position.
• Slowly roll back down, one vertebra at a time.

See video of this move:  Shannon demonstrating the Roll Up

And in case you have an exercise ball lying around….

Ball Crunch

• Begin by lying back on the ball – keeping feet flat on the floor.
• Arms may be behind your head or straight above your head.
• Squeeze your upper abs lifting your shoulder blades up for the crunch.
• Hold for a count of 2 at the top and slowly lower back down.

12-25 reps.

Try some of these ab moves today.  Remember, bathing suit season is the best time of the year to get your crunch on!