Looking to get rid of that stubborn belly fat? Or aiming for six-pack abs? What better way to achieve these goals by doing an exercise that has its sole focus on your core? Yes, we’re talking about ab crunches! Crunches, though a very effective and simple exercise, can get a little tricky. If not done right, these can lead to neck and back pain. So, let’s take a look at how to do crunches the right way!

Crunches are the best of the core exercises to strengthen your core muscles. They also work on building abs by reducing the fat in that area. It is also great to reduce your love handles and for strengthening the muscles in your neck and back!

Benefits of crunches

Crunches are a perfect combination of weight loss exercise and strength training. It helps you achieve both these things with a simple to perform exercise. The best part is that you don’t need to go to the gym for this or use any kind of equipment. You can also increase or decrease its level of difficulty according to your stamina. Crunches are great for you because they:

* Work on your whole torso area including your abs and love handles
* Help build a strong core and improve your overall body balance
* Strengthen your back, hip and neck muscles as well
* Burn calories and lead to weight loss

How to do crunches?

To enjoy all the benefits of this exercise, you need to do it right. So let’s learn, in a step-by-step manner, the right way to do crunches.

Step 1

Lie down straight on a yoga mat with your hands behind your head and your knees slightly bent. Don’t lie down directly on the floor as the surface is hard and can hurt your body.

Step 2

Keep your knees shoulder width apart and balance your feet on the heels of the foot.

Step 3

Once in this position you need to inhale and slightly bend forward, so that your upper back is off the floor and your upper abs are crunched. Remember to not come up completely. Your lower back should remain intact to the floor only.

Step 4

Hold this position for a second or two and go back while exhaling. Throughout this exercise, remember to not bend your neck or otherwise it could lead to neck pain.

Step 5

Repeat 3 sets of 10 crunches each or increase or decrease it according to your stamina. You can also try some variations like bicycle crunches, reverse crunches, side crunches, etc.

Follow these steps to do a proper crunch and see that belly fat vanish away in no time!