No results from crunches and sit-ups

by Carlos
(San Diego)

So you've been doing a lot of crunches and sit-ups a few times a week and you're still not seeing any results. So what is the correct and effective way to do crunches?

How to do the best crunches for the most effective results:

Start position: Lie down flat on your back with knees bent and the flat of your feet on the floor.
Keep your hands on your chest or beside your head - but don't put pressure on your neck.

The exercise: Roll your upper torso forward and bring your head towards your knees, but to increase the effectiveness push your chest and head upwards while keeping your lower back flat against the floor.
(Almost as though you're pushing your belly button into the floor)
This movement will automatically form a crunching pattern and moving the torso towards the ceiling increases the tension, and makes for a more intense ABS workout.

Try to hold the top movement for a second or two and squeeze the ABS.

Important: Lifting up into a sitting position works the hips and can put strain on your back.
Perform the exercises slower for maximum benefit.