1. Please share why it might be important to do different types of crunches if you want to reach all your ab muscles.
A combination of various ab workouts helps strengthen the abdominals, pelvic region, hips, and lower back. It helps these muscles to work in unison, leading to greater stability and balance for enhanced physical activities.
2. What are the different ab muscles?
Rectus abdominis
Run from the ribs to the pelvic area. They are mostly termed as ‘six-pack’.
External obliques
Found on the outside of the sides. They diagonally run downwards.
Internal obliques
Located below the external obliques, running diagonally upwards on the sides.
Transverse abdominis
3. They are the deepest abdominals, which stabilize the waist.
Standing crunch
Standing crunches engage the arms, legs, and abs mainly to strengthen them. The steps include;
- Stand shoulder-width apart with arms reaching out towards the ceiling.
- Drop both arms as you lift your right knee, let them meetat the waist level.
- Return your arms and leg to starting position for one rep.
- Do the same on the left leg.
- Repeat the movement for 15 reps of 3 sets.
Reverse crunch
It helps tone the abs and lower body. It also straightens and lengthens the spine. The steps include;
- Lie on your back with knees bent and arms to the sides of your torso.
- Press your feet on the surface to lift your waist, and stay for two seconds.
- Lower your waist and raise the bent, knees, pulling them towards your chest.
- Hold for three seconds before returning to starting position, as one rep.
- Do 15 reps of 3 sets.
Psychologist and a Sex and Relationships Advisor at shopgiejo.com
Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).
Latest posts by Ieva Kubiliute (see all)
- What Are the 7 Chakras and How Can You Unblock Them? - April 19, 2024
- THCa Flower by Perfect Plant Markey - September 21, 2023
- Arches Audio Shares Their Secrets For Starting A Successful Podcast - July 7, 2023
