Crunches With Variations

by Abby
(Dallas, TX)

I love to do different kinds of crunches. There's the standard crunch. I like to hold some hand weights above my head (parallel to the floor) and do crunches because it increases resistance. More resistance = better results.

I love to do crunches with my legs held straight up in the air.

I also like to do The Plank. Keeping your stomach muscles tight, you suspend yourself on extended arms. With your legs stretched out behind you, prop one foot on top of the other. You can also alternately lift up each foot 5 seconds at a time. This has great results, but at first it burns!