*TIP* Sit Ups & Crunches

[Wayne]

Lately, there has been a lot of threads being made to ask others how to lose weight off their stomach area. Well, I hope to satisfy you with the answer. Sit ups and crunches are a great way to tighten the muscles in your stomach area, but you must remember, you can't just eat whatever you want before and after you exercise, because it will be a waste of time exercising. Eat a lot of proteins, for example eggs, fish, liver, nuts, raisins, kiwi, chicken etc.

Here is a sit up - http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/beckersitup.gif
Lay on the floor, and grip your hands behind your head. Slowly lift your back off the ground, and then lower it back down. To get a good workout, do around 100. (Fast = fat removing / Slow = muscle gaining)

Here is a crunch - http://www.fitnessgenerator.com/images/exercises/crunch.gif
This is like a sit up, but is more affective. Lay on the floor, and grip your hands behind your head. Make sure your knees are bent in the air, or perched upon a high surface (chair/bed etc) Again, slowly lift your back off the floor, and then lower it back down.

REMEMBER - When exercising, always have a break inbetween. In this break, have a drink of water, or rest. Water is good because when you sweat, the body needs water to replace the liquids lost. Also, if you feel ill, or begin to hurt at anytime during the exercise, stop immediately. Finally, the next morning, or later on after you've done the exercising, if you begin to have a stomach pain, like it's been pulled, it's because you're not quite used to it, and it means you're doing the exercising correctly.

[Hitman]

Great thread Wayne! I'm wondering, what would be best for me. I have a little fat on my stomach, and I don't want it there, but I want a pack, so would I go fast to start and slow when the fat has gone?

I might go do some crunches in a minutes after using the punch bag.

You're very helpful Wayne :)

[Wayne]

Lol, thanks.

[Carlsta]

I will do some in a bit! Im like him in not fat but not slim!

[WHANGFACE]

Yeah, thanks for that Wayne. I do situps, but I only do 30.. I'll build it up to 50, then 70, then 100, and then get higher or stop. I'll start doing some crunches too ;)

Great thread, Rep+

[foxyfox00]

I did stick figures in another thread.Lol.

We have an ab bench machine thing. I do 50 per day and 25 crunches. Last night I did 100 sit ups and 100 crunches

Whooo:D

[Catchetat]

Thanks :P

I didn't know fast = lose fat, slow = muscle gaining. Thanks :)

[@K]

Lol good animations :P +rep.

[Ashhizzle]

Well we all know wayne. listened in P.E :) nice guide wayne.

[Craig]

Hmm could you explain to me how crunches are more effective please? Thanks.

[@K]

i don't know how they are more effective, but they do hurt more :P which I think means they the more work (on your abs)

[Alterate]

Hmm could you explain to me how crunches are more effective please? Thanks.

I think it is because it tightens the abdominal more.

[asher_]

Firstly, if you want to achieve anything I suggest ignoring that mess that Wayne has wrote. No matter how many crunches or sit-ups you do, you will not lose weight around your abdominal area.
To effectively reduce overall body fat you need to eat sensibly, and add resistance exercise such as weight training to stimulate the metabolism and also increase the amount of cardiovascular exercise you do to burn additional calories, so perhaps doing some running or swimming. The body loves change to exercise so don't stick at doing one sport or activity. Once you have lost weight around your abdominal area THEN you can start working on those abs and toning them by doing crunches and sit-ups; also great abs start in the kitchen. Once again, ignore that old myth where 'if you do 300 crunches a day you'll lose weight' it won't work - believe me.

Cheers

[Wayne]

Firstly, if you want to achieve anything I suggest ignoring that mess that Wayne has wrote. No matter how many crunches or sit-ups you do, you will not lose weight around your abdominal area.
To effectively reduce overall body fat you need to eat sensibly, and add resistance exercise such as weight training to stimulate the metabolism and also increase the amount of cardiovascular exercise you do to burn additional calories, so perhaps doing some running or swimming. The body loves change to exercise so don't stick at doing one sport or activity. Once you have lost weight around your abdominal area THEN you can start working on those abs and toning them by doing crunches and sit-ups; also great abs start in the kitchen. Once again, ignore that old myth where 'if you do 300 crunches a day you'll lose weight' it won't work - believe me.

Cheers

I never said doing loads of crunches would remove fat from the stomach. I said that it tightens the muscles there, and if you actually read the post I did, it says you must eat right aswell.

[Hitman]

Wayne didn't post a load of rubbish, it was information ;l Thanks for that anyway asher_

[Wizzdom]

Thanks Wayne.

[asher_]

Lately, there has been a lot of threads being made to ask others how to lose weight off their stomach area.

It was informative yes, but he gave you false information in his opening sentence suggesting you can lose weight by crunches and sit-ups.

[Wayne]

Hmm could you explain to me how crunches are more effective please? Thanks.

Crunches have always seemed better for your back, and it hits the abs very effectively while sit-ups wastes energy without working the abs for much of the time it takes to go up and down.

[Hitman]

Wayne I don't get your signature :(

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times

xD Basicly the same? Both 10,000 kicks

Wayne. (Super Moderator) Please stay on topic. Use the private messaging system.

[Catchetat]

Er what's more effective? The sit ups or crunches? I do sit ups. I never do crunches lol

[Hitman]

I do crunches. Why? Because I like it when you feel the pain and know its working :p

[DaveTaylor]

when dping both i just feel like i ain't doingf it right but it says i am :|

[Hitman]

How quick you do them? Do then quick, and see how many you can do. Your stomach will hurt (probably hurt) that means its working. I think :p

[Alterate]

How quick you do them? Do then quick, and see how many you can do. Your stomach will hurt (probably hurt) that means its working. I think :p

Doing it slow is the most effective way. Taking 6 secounds going up then 6 secounds going down keeping your abs tensed the whole time is the most effective way.

[Hitman]

Doing it slow is the most effective way. Taking 6 secounds going up then 6 secounds going down keeping your abs tensed the whole time is the most effective way.

But to lose fat, doing them quicker is more effective than slow. But you're right on slow for muscle.

[infatuation]

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times

xD Basicly the same? Both 10,000 kicks
If he practices 10,000 kicks once, he probably won't be good at all 10,000 of them.
If he practices one 10,000 times, he's most definetly going to be excellent at that kick.

on topic;
---------

I think this thread could help a greatly amount of people, maybe even myself ;)
thanks.

[iGroves]

So is it best to do sit-ups to get rid of the fat/podge, and then move onto the crunch for muscels?

[Blinger1]

when doing sit ups, should i have my legs bent like in first post or my legs straight on the ground?

[adidas™]

Thanks :P

I didn't know fast = lose fat, slow = muscle gaining. Thanks :)

me neither and thanks for the tips wayne

[Jargit]

Honestly. Wayne Has To Be The Most Helpfull Person On Habbox :D

If im mostly trying to Get rid of fat. What is a good amount of Sit-ups to do, and how often to break :D

[Blinger1]

@Jargit:

"Quality over quantity" dont go bursting out the first day and do 50 crap ones. instead do 10 decent ones which will work much better and do till you cant do anymore if you feel a burning like feeling you know its going good ;)

[Jargit]

kk Thanks :D

[Blinger1]

I have a newspaper article i will scan one day and ill post it here :P

[:Lively]

not criticising or anything,

but doing a sit-up with your hands behind your head is putting unnecessary stress on your neck, instead, place your fingers on your temples, and do it that way, unless you want a neck problem.

[Djcafc.]

lovely animations how many per day???

[Britvic]

lovely animations how many per day???
That is exactly what I sw about to ask, lol.

[Wayne]

I know about the neck stress, but placing your hands behind your head is an example of not encouraging yourself to grip onto something to help force yourself back up again. Putting your fingers on your temples is a good position, but if you choose to use the hands behind neck position, don't grip your neck hard and grip it forward because it will cause neck pains.
If you're new at doing sit ups etc, I would start with around 30 a day in the morning and 30 before bed. As you begin to feel it getting easier, increase the amount of sit ups you day. For example, start with 30 in the morning and 30 before bed and then a week or so later, try 50 in the morning and 50 before bed. Hope this helps.

[-Dispute]

Thanks for that so much!

[plastiKKstars]

i'd love to do these exercises,
but the thing is,
i can barely life my back off of the ground when i do both,
i am quite fit as well, but it hurts my back.

[ColyTom]

At school we are told to hold our stomachs in while doing sit ups/crunches.
What effect does that have?

[wishing]

i can do no exercise, eat as much as i want and not put on any weight.
its well gd.

[-mad-monkey-]

Lately, there has been a lot of threads being made to ask others how to lose weight off their stomach area. Well, I hope to satisfy you with the answer. Sit ups and crunches are a great way to tighten the muscles in your stomach area, but you must remember, you can't just eat whatever you want before and after you exercise, because it will be a waste of time exercising. Eat a lot of proteins, for example eggs, fish, liver, nuts, raisins, kiwi, chicken etc.

Here is a sit up - http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/beckersitup.gif
Lay on the floor, and grip your hands behind your head. Slowly lift your back off the ground, and then lower it back down. To get a good workout, do around 100. (Fast = fat removing / Slow = muscle gaining)

Here is a crunch - http://www.fitnessgenerator.com/images/exercises/crunch.gif
This is like a sit up, but is more affective. Lay on the floor, and grip your hands behind your head. Make sure your knees are bent in the air, or perched upon a high surface (chair/bed etc) Again, slowly lift your back off the floor, and then lower it back down.

REMEMBER - When exercising, always have a break inbetween. In this break, have a drink of water, or rest. Water is good because when you sweat, the body needs water to replace the liquids lost. Also, if you feel ill, or begin to hurt at anytime during the exercise, stop immediately. Finally, the next morning, or later on after you've done the exercising, if you begin to have a stomach pain, like it's been pulled, it's because you're not quite used to it, and it means you're doing the exercising correctly.
In a sit up, cross arms on chest to avoid lower back pain in lower life.

*Text Removed*

Edited By Rizter (Forum Moderator): Please do not be rude towards other members. Thanks :)

[Leeroy]

ty for post .. ive got the pack its just bit hard so see as i have tiny bit of fat and hopeing to loose :P

[Kieran]

Thats the wrong way to do situps. Its bad for your neck to stick your hands behind your head. You can pull it and injure yourself. The best way to do it is to stick your arms crossed over your body and then sit up

[.:Normal...]

Hmm could you explain to me how crunches are more effective please? Thanks.

Because they target the selected area more, in this instance the abs. Situps still target your abs, just not as much because there's a lot more motion going on.

[lDuckFunk]

Will Try, Not Fat But could Build More of a Pack :)

[Ezzie.]

Cool ideas :) though eating too much proten can decrease bone densitiy, so don't eat too excessive in proteins, also drink lots of water, reduces bloatednes which could make you appear more fatter than you actually are.

[MadFrankie2007]

50 Fast and 50 Slow? Best of both? Would that be good?

[Alkaz]

Nice guide xD Ill be doing them :P

[Beau]

Slight bumpage, but just so everyone knows, you don't have to do nearly as high as those images are showing. That extra ten or so centimetres does nothing. Concentrate on lifting your abdomen off the ground, that's where you're tensing the most, therefore using more muscle.

[d17c]

I thought those tips were common knowledge, but after reading the whole thread, I guess not.



Slight bumpage, but just so everyone knows, you don't have to do nearly as high as those images are showing. That extra ten or so centimetres does nothing. Concentrate on lifting your abdomen off the ground, that's where you're tensing the most, therefore using more muscle.

Exactly right :)

And for people who get neck pain from sit ups, try not to look straight ahead when you lift, look at the ceiling instead.

[-RiK-]

abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym. if you have a high bodyfat% then they won't show as much as they would with lower bodyfat%.

leg raises are a great exercise for your abs, and well as situps with oblique twists to develop your obliques. also, whether you're a gym member or not, exercise balls are great for ab & all round core exercises.

[Archies]

I dont do crunches. I do 100 sit ups a day.
Is it ok to do push ups as well? I did 50 yesterday and my arms are killing lol

[d17c]

I dont do crunches. I do 100 sit ups a day.
Is it ok to do push ups as well? I did 50 yesterday and my arms are killing lol

I can't help but laugh at people like you, who think that it's good to do 100 sit ups and 50 push ups. Do them properly.

[Archies]

I can't help but laugh at people like you, who think that it's good to do 100 sit ups and 50 push ups. Do them properly.

What the hell?
What do you mean do them properly. I do :S
I also eat proper food after..

And i cant help but laugh at you because you cant make it too 100 sit ups kthanx

[d17c]

What the hell?
What do you mean do them properly. I do :S
I also eat proper food after..

And i cant help but laugh at you because you cant make it too 100 sit ups kthanx

If you were doing them properly, there's no way you'd be able to do that many. And btw, you're meant to eat before, then have a little bit after.
And I can make it to 100, if I do them wrong like you.

[Archies]

LOL.
Seriously i do them right.
You must not be fit if you cant do 100.
But anyway im use to it.
Ive been doing it for 6 months now.
i do 50 then have water then do another 50.
At first they hurt me on my stomache as i remember so im doing them right. Now its getting easier.
I did alot research ages ago and all the websites said the same pritty much and i did exactly as told too..

Push ups where really hard. i did 10 then stopped then 10 and so on..

P.S - Listen ok? Everyone is different. Just because you cant do 100 sit ups or 50 push ups doesnt mean i cant do them. You dont know me. So dont bother trying to start a fricking arguement k?

[WarezKid]

If you were doing them properly, there's no way you'd be able to do that many. And btw, you're meant to eat before, then have a little bit after.
And I can make it to 100, if I do them wrong like you.



I done it before :S

got up to 80 and it only took me a month to get to that ¬.¬

[d17c]

LOL.
Seriously i do them right.
You must not be fit if you cant do 100.
But anyway im use to it.
Ive been doing it for 6 months now.
i do 50 then have water then do another 50.
At first they hurt me on my stomache as i remember so im doing them right. Now its getting easier.
I did alot research ages ago and all the websites said the same pritty much and i did exactly as told too..

Push ups where really hard. i did 10 then stopped then 10 and so on..

P.S - Listen ok? Everyone is different. Just because you cant do 100 sit ups or 50 push ups doesnt mean i cant do them. You dont know me. So dont bother trying to start a fricking arguement k?

I'm not trying to start an argument, sorry. With the push ups, that sounds alright actually, 5 reps of 10, I thought you meant you did 50 solid.
And the sit ups, I haven't found anyone that can do more than 20 with perfect form, even professionals, so you must be doing something slightly different, but still getting the same effects, which is good I guess.

[tdi]

great thread, i'm not fat, but i'm not slim. i'll try this, thanks.

[-RiK-]

the people that say stuff like "i do 'x' amount of situps/press ups every day" is ridiculous. after a good training session for any muscle group, if you train properly you won't feel like training that muscle group for another 2-3 days, including abs. you're just overworking your abs and won't get as much growth & development as you would if you trained them say twice a week instead of every day.

[d17c]

the people that say stuff like "i do 'x' amount of situps/press ups every day" is ridiculous. after a good training session for any muscle group, if you train properly you won't feel like training that muscle group for another 2-3 days, including abs. you're just overworking your abs and won't get as much growth & development as you would if you trained them say twice a week instead of every day.

Well said :) apart from the last bit, you should train every other day for maximum development :)

[FAQz]

yeah great thread mate

This really does work and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to loose a bit of weight or want to be more muscular. I would also recommend an exercise that truly works.
First you suck your belly button in (you may need to hold your breath). Keep practicing this until it gets easier and when you can, keep your belly button in but don't hold your breath, this is very hard and only attempt this when you have the confidence. Once you have practiced this for a while, try doing sit-ups and crunches without holding your breath, but with your belly button still sucked in. This is extremely difficult and will take a long time to get right so don't be put off if you can't do it first time. However when you do get it right it is a fantastic workout and you will definitely see the difference.
Another great thing about this workout is that unlike sit-ups and crunches it does absolutely no damage too your back and in fact it actually helps it. When you use this exercise you are working on an area called your core. This protects your back and the stronger it is the better. And as well as well as working on your core you are obviously working your abs as well because your are doing sit-ups and crunches.


Have a good workout!

Thanks

FAQz:eusa_danc

[d17c]

yeah great thread mate

This really does work and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to loose a bit of weight or want to be more muscular. I would also recommend an exercise that truly works.
First you suck your belly button in (you may need to hold your breath). Keep practicing this until it gets easier and when you can, keep your belly button in but don't hold your breath, this is very hard and only attempt this when you have the confidence. Once you have practiced this for a while, try doing sit-ups and crunches without holding your breath, but with your belly button still sucked in. This is extremely difficult and will take a long time to get right so don't be put off if you can't do it first time. However when you do get it right it is a fantastic workout and you will definitely see the difference.
Another great thing about this workout is that unlike sit-ups and crunches it does absolutely no damage too your back and in fact it actually helps it. When you use this exercise you are working on an area called your core. This protects your back and the stronger it is the better. And as well as well as working on your core you are obviously working your abs as well because your are doing sit-ups and crunches.


Have a good workout!

Thanks

FAQz:eusa_danc

That was pretty stupid. Since when did people have to practice and get confidence to hold their belly button in?
And last time I checked, sit ups and crunches did work the core..

[Toughened]

Tbh I don't see how many I can do I just do it till it hurts.
But a problem I seem to have is I think I tense my legs too much which causes slight cramp in them which makes me need to stop when my stomach is fine.
And I think I have a boney back because when I go back to the ground the bottom of my back (like the spine) it hurts.
Any advice?

[d17c]

Tbh I don't see how many I can do I just do it till it hurts.
But a problem I seem to have is I think I tense my legs too much which causes slight cramp in them which makes me need to stop when my stomach is fine.
And I think I have a boney back because when I go back to the ground the bottom of my back (like the spine) it hurts.
Any advice?

Buy a mat, or put a really flat pillow underneath your back.

[Toughened]

Buy a mat, or put a really flat pillow underneath your back.
Thanks! Have to try it tonight =]

[Ugawa]

wow this thread is almost 2 years old :o

[Toughened]

I was just wondering as well...

If you done say a few sets with less sit ups/crunches right through out the day would that be better than one set in the morning and one set in the night with more sit ups/crunches?

Thanks.

[Cryptoo]

in PE we we're made to do them, well... not the crunches, but our PE teachers (male and female) said Sit ups to work them abs guys, and situps girls for those flat stomach's :P

[Frasermck]

Good guide im too thin though :P

[Mickster]

WRONG THREAD, SORRY.

[Captain]

I find planks and side planks are better for the abs.

[Vodge]

when doing sit ups dont put your hands behind your head, put them behind your ears. this is because when u start getting a little tired you will without realising use your hands to push your head up etc which is not the idea of the excercise.

[9y]

I would do this but i really cant be botherd! id rarther sit and drink coke, seems a much simpler approach!

[Excellent2]

I would do this but i really cant be botherd! id rarther sit and drink coke, seems a much simpler approach!Bit pointless posting here then isn't it ? :)

[Soy]

Basic but not bad.

Y'know these are mainly starting techniques, there are much better related excersises out there so just find the ones that suit you most. Try to build on your static abdominal strength aswel guys (Static means stationary, when you hold a posistion like a sit up for long periods of time. Your muscles work hard to keep your body weight in that posistion)

[Skaboy15]

I read somehow online that it's more effective to do these when doing crunches:

1) Rather than put your knees above, it's better to put your feet firmly on the ground (asif you were going to do a situp) and lift up 6 inches off the ground.

2) Put your hands behind your head only rest your fingers on the back of your head (if you get me? :P). As you do the crunch, keep your elbows out of sight (basically keep them in a straight line).

I saw it on google somewhere. I dunno if it's more effective, but it sounds it :P Also:

Once you've got the abs you want, continue doing the crunches but as you raise, turn your waiste left, then on the next one turn right.

I can't remember it word for word, and it's too much hassle to find the article, but I hope that helps in some way :)

[Sly]

I couldn't do them sit ups at all ):
I been doing crunches for a while now but i've been doing 'em wrong the entire time!
I hold my legs up in the air now like shown and I think It'l be affective in the long run.
How many are you suposed to do at a time because I can do about 20 then I need a couple of seconds rest but after than I can only do 10 at a time ):

[Wayne]

Since I made this thread, I've found out a lot more about ab exercises. When you do a crunch, try and do as many as you can for the first set, so for example if you did 20, try and do another 20, then another 20 then do as many as you can until failure on your last set.

20 reps, 5 second break, 20 reps, 5 second break, 20 reps, 5 second break then do as many as you can without failure.

Repeat that 'set' above 3 times.

[Wayne]

Since I made this thread, I've found out a lot more about ab exercises. Try the bicycle crunch and do as many as you can for the first set, so for example if you did 20, try and do another 20, then another 20 then do as many as you can until failure on your last set.

20 reps, 5 second break, 20 reps, 5 second break, 20 reps, 5 second break then do as many as you can without failure.

Repeat that 'set' above 3 times.

http://www.personaltrainingfitness.com/image-files/sprinter_crunch.gif

If you can't do that, try the basic crunch below:

http://www.personaltrainingfitness.com/image-files/Abdominal_Crunch5.gif

[BoyBetterKnow]

awesome thread. I always do situps. Like 100 each night. I might vary situps and crunches tbh. Giving a 6 pack a go.

[iAdam]

Very good guide.

I'd just like to add, if you are very new to this, you will most likely pull some muscle, most likely in your legs, if you do, rest it out and don't try anything else until you are comfortable with it again.

[luce]

Good thread there is always alot of confusion between them :)

[Wig44.]

awesome thread. I always do situps. Like 100 each night. I might vary situps and crunches tbh. Giving a 6 pack a go.

Wrong. You are over training and I know you aren't getting anywhere near the results you should be getting. Work out your abs MAXIMUM 3 times per week, for instance monday, wednesday and friday.

[Zak]

There are many different techniques to crunching, that one that Wayne posted looks more like a reverse crunch to me :)

arrr just seen the one he posted on page nine. That's more like the traditonal crunch, I've personally given up on a six pack.. I eat too much and I like eating, stick to shoulder, chest, tricep/bicep workout for now :)

[Black_Apalachi]

not criticising or anything,

but doing a sit-up with your hands behind your head is putting unnecessary stress on your neck, instead, place your fingers on your temples, and do it that way, unless you want a neck problem.

Yeah, at ju-jitsu I was taught not to put my hands behind my head or neck because it can cause strain on your neck. Instead I was taught to do it that way ^ I also think putting your hands just by your temples makes it harder which is better, no?

[Wig44.]

Yeah, at ju-jitsu I was taught not to put my hands behind my head or neck because it can cause strain on your neck. Instead I was taught to do it that way ^ I also think putting your hands just by your temples makes it harder which is better, no?

There is no strain on the neck with hands behind your neck if you aren't cheating. That is, you arent pulling your head.