crunch question

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
crunch question
11
Wed, 06-22-2005 - 2:15pm

Hello,

I'd like to know the safest and most effective way to do a crunch. I have seen so many variations on it that it is easy to get overwhelmed and confused. I need help in my lower ab section but I also need to be safe on my back. Any help? Thanks!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2004
Wed, 06-22-2005 - 2:35pm

I do mine on a Bosu ball. I sit low on the front of the ball, lean back, holding a 4 lb. body ball over my head (you can do it without the ball too), and crunch up, while extending the body ball out in front of your body. Just don't overextend your back backwards over the ball. I also use the Bosu ball to do oblique crunches which work the muscles on your sides (at your waist). With my elbows behind my head, I go elbow to opposite knee.

Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 06-22-2005 - 2:58pm

Hey red, the way I do crunches, (and I have some lower back issues) is to plant my feet on the floor, keep my knees bent, and put my hands behind my head.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 06-22-2005 - 6:00pm
Welcome little Miss Red! I have to agree with 'katieinnc'- I use a ball too. I am also *blessed* with a substantial bosom (!!) and need that little extra support. I really find the ball useful!

~IslandGirl



::: Jump for Joy ::: Summer's Here :::


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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2004
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 10:06am
Lucky you! I WISH I had a bosom! I use the ball because my trainer told me to. :-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 11:21am
That sounds like a great idea but I don't have a BOSU ball and they are fairly expensive from what I've seen. Is there a cheaper alternative that someone might suggest? Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 06-23-2005 - 6:36pm
I got mine at KMart, it came with a video too, and only cost around $25-30. Check out KMart or WalMart to see if they have them. It was made by Bell- http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009NZJ5E/002-6157621-1820033?v=glance

~IslandGirl



::: Jump for Joy ::: Summer's Here :::


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 10:06am

My crunches... we call them 'double crunches'.

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 10:21am

Is this actually a Bosu ball? I thought that Bosu balls were flat on the bottom or does it matter?

Steffy - I had back surgery and for whatever reason, since the surgery, I don't have voluntary control of my lower abs. Meaning that I can't do the leg lift thing without major problems. I realize that the lack of voluntary control in that area creates problems for toning it. Thanks for the suggestion though!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 10:35am

Oh...yes, that would create a problem, I'm sorry.

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Fri, 06-24-2005 - 10:43am

~~ Steffy ~~

No need at all to feel bad. I should explained that in my original post. Yes, it is permanent. I had the surgery ten years ago and it has never come back and I guess I don't expect it to. Thanks for all your help though!

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