Crunches replacement

[agthompson]

I absolutely despise crunches. So much so that in workout routine I usually end up skipping them, knowing that I need to do them, I just always put them off. legs usually always come off the floor if I'm not using a couch to hold feet down, and if I'm using the couch I feel like I'm using too much of leg to bring me up.

So I have 1 of 2 choices. Suck it up and do them, or find a different exercise to replace them. Any ideas?

[fitoverforty]

Why not try bicycle crunches? Lay on the floor and raise your legs up and
simulate riding a bike, rotating your legs, then do your crunch, touching your elbow to each opposing knee as you cycle. I try to do 2 sets of 20, counting each elbow touch as one rep.
Of course there is always the dreaded plank exercise! There are many YouTube demos of various forms of the plank. The standard is best to start, and it may look simple, but if you do it correctly it will leave you shaking.

Bicycle crunches:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TUquBnX ... re=related

Planks:
excerpts taken from www.ab-core-and-stomach-exercises.com

Full Plank
Starting Position: Start by balancing on your elbows and your toes, while keeping your body in a straight line.

Form: Hold the same position for 10-30 seconds without moving.

Tips:
Make sure that you keep your body in a straight line.
Keep your abs pulled in to stop your back from arching.
When you are doing this exercise for the first few times, your body may start shaking. This is a result of muscle weakness and lack of coordination. After a little practice the shaking will stop and you will be able to hold this exercise for 30 seconds or more.
If you feel your back arching, lift your hips slightly higher in the air.


One variation I do with the plank is after getting into position and finding your balance, lift your right arm up and your left leg up, hold for 10 or more seconds, then repeat with opposing arm and leg. It's tough!

hope some of this helps you!

[fitoverforty]

LYNNES A PLANK HO! Hahah, I think someone has a new fav...

L O L!! ur killin' me! (by the way, that's MS. PLANK HO to you!)
I've been called lots of things in life, but that's a new one!!
I guess i do push the plank alot, but that's because I have found that it is the one exercise that can humble even the fittest of the fit!

[Packard]

I'm the anti-plank guy. I don't like exercises that don't give you a decent range of motion.

I favor hanging leg raises (front, 3/4 and side). I think these are the gold standard for abdominal work.

[Boss Man]

I've called people a plank a few times before. Usually if they've done or said something idiotic, that's what they get sometimes.

[littleshelly]

I like planks too. You can also do a side plank and a plank in a push up position. With hands on the floor and arms straight like you were getting ready to go down for a push-up.

[musclesftw]

You could try knees to elbow. Hang from a pullup bar, and try raising yous legs such that your knees touch your elbows. 3 sets 12-15 reps.

[Bonnie]

Straight leg to elbow or bent knee ? ! Yeah I could try that If im part of a circus Good u can do that kinda thing though maybe one day...Yes start a thread, All planks.alll the time..lmao at plank HO btw, had me in stitchs when I read that Oh yeah & for the topic at hand, try some woodchoppers, or windshield wipers, hanging leg raises, russian twists, endless variations to keep from being bored . Include a upper ab movement, lower one & obliques.

http://figureathlete.tmuscle.com/free_o ... l_athletes

umm I duno if is ok to post this sites links ? If not feel free to let me know

[fitnessedu]

favorite ab exercise has got to be the ab strap leg lifts. Do a set of 30 with the hip twist and I guarantee that you'll be feeling a burn.

Check out fitness and nutrition blog http://fitnessnutritioneducation.blogspot.com. I'm sure that you'll find some useful information there.

Good luck!