Answers (12)
1
I love this question!
I actually did a bunch of research in this area and presented on this topic to the undergraduate exercise science students at USF. I am also a living example of this (I do not do any crunches/abdominal exercises). Abdominal exercises are not required to tone your midsection. Most individuals have developed a rectus abdominis from daily activities, however they are merely covered with fat. Not to mention abdominal can only hypertrophy minimally as compared to other muscle structures. If your goal get a "six pack" or create a healthy core/mid section I would focus on isometrically contracting your core musculature during exercises. For other information regarding core/back/abdominals look into Dr. Stuart McGill's research.
Fuel the Movement,
JM
I actually did a bunch of research in this area and presented on this topic to the undergraduate exercise science students at USF. I am also a living example of this (I do not do any crunches/abdominal exercises). Abdominal exercises are not required to tone your midsection. Most individuals have developed a rectus abdominis from daily activities, however they are merely covered with fat. Not to mention abdominal can only hypertrophy minimally as compared to other muscle structures. If your goal get a "six pack" or create a healthy core/mid section I would focus on isometrically contracting your core musculature during exercises. For other information regarding core/back/abdominals look into Dr. Stuart McGill's research.
Fuel the Movement,
JM
1
Yes you can. With what we know about functional anatomy doing crunches is like saying that preacher curls are functional. Its rediculous for anybody to still be doing crunches when the function of the core is stability and force transference Not to mention in the current postural crisis caused by the technology we now have, crunches only overemphasize upper cross syndrome. It flies in the face of current exercise science knowledge to do crunches.
There is a movement issue here that nobody is addressing. The rectus abdominus does not function by itself and should not be trained in isolation. The only time any type of isolation should be used is if there is a compensation due to a weakness in a movement pattern then go back to a functional integration movement pattern and train correctly.
There is a movement issue here that nobody is addressing. The rectus abdominus does not function by itself and should not be trained in isolation. The only time any type of isolation should be used is if there is a compensation due to a weakness in a movement pattern then go back to a functional integration movement pattern and train correctly.
0
The BellyTone® method works deep within the under-layers of abdominal muscles to strengthen and tone without the use of neck and shoulder girdle-stressing crunches. The answer is Yes!
0
There are several poses in yoga that firm and tighten your transverse abs and your rectus abdominous (the muscles under your transparent muscle in the stomach). Crunches only work your transverse abdominous.
0
Yes. Try any plyometric exercises, and you'll see exactly what you can accomplish without crunches. I haven't done any sort of sit up or crunch in.... oh, 7 years. I think i'm doing ok. But seriously. plyos, stability exercises, and on and on and on...
0
I didn't realize that anybody was still doing crunches ...
Any exercise that places the body in a position where it needs to stabilize will work the core muscles. Call it yoga, pilates, MELT, ball, roller, Bosu, bodyweight, TRX, kettle bells ....... you name it. And you are right that working the core muslces should not be at the expense of the neck and shoulder girdle.
Any exercise that places the body in a position where it needs to stabilize will work the core muscles. Call it yoga, pilates, MELT, ball, roller, Bosu, bodyweight, TRX, kettle bells ....... you name it. And you are right that working the core muslces should not be at the expense of the neck and shoulder girdle.
0
Yes you can. The core muscles (of which the abdominal muscles are a part) are instrumental and used in basically every exercise we perform (particularly free weight or body weight). As the important link between the lower body and the head, these muscles are "exercised" and therefore "toned" in their daily chores such as stabilizing and transferring power from the ground up.
As for specifically targeted exercises to tone the abdominal muscles, there are TONS of them that do not involve crunching. Actually, too many to even list here.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
As for specifically targeted exercises to tone the abdominal muscles, there are TONS of them that do not involve crunching. Actually, too many to even list here.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
I can't say enough good things about and highly recommend this book ... "The New Rules of Lifting for Abs: A Myth-Busting Fitness Plan for Men and Women Who Want a Strong Core and a Pain-Free Back" by Lou Schuler/Alwyn Cosgrove
Myths are debunked and the book explains that the crunch is actually a poor choice for most people. Extending the core can be much more effective than flexing abdominal muscles.
If you are familiar with Dr. Stuart McGill then you are aware that performing loads of crunch-type exercises may harm your back. The book's emphasis is on a strong core overall, rather than "toned" abs. It's just that nice-looking abs can also result from the program.
Myths are debunked and the book explains that the crunch is actually a poor choice for most people. Extending the core can be much more effective than flexing abdominal muscles.
If you are familiar with Dr. Stuart McGill then you are aware that performing loads of crunch-type exercises may harm your back. The book's emphasis is on a strong core overall, rather than "toned" abs. It's just that nice-looking abs can also result from the program.
0
In my experience most people like to think that crunches are the only way to get the "firm" look in their abs for that six pack...however, I have found that isometric exercises such as the plank have helped not only improve the look of the rectus abdominus but the function by working the core as a whole. It's all about risk versus reward in this situation. I would rather have my clients goal be more about the core with mountain climbers, planks, russian twists, etc. then crunches. I use them sparingly as there are many more exercises that can get the same benefit with less risk.
0
Well, since the answer is yes, then... let me think... YES! I don't really train my abdominals specifically. I incorporate them into ALL of my other actions if and when I'm able. It gives me greater stability and balance while becoming natually 2nd nature, so, when I need them to uphold their end, they can and will.
-1
I think it is important not to forget the function of abdominal muscles. I personally think the word "crunch" is describing one of the actions of the rectus abdominis--flexion of the spine. For me it's like saying that biceps curls are passe'. When one looks at the direction the muscle fibers are running as well as the origin and insertion of the rectus abdominis, it only makes sense to work the muscle in a "crunching fashion" whether one is standing or lying down. That's not to say one cannot include eccentric and isometric contractions when training that muscle group.
I personally don't see anything wrong with performing crunches for that is exactly what the rectus abdominis does.
I personally don't see anything wrong with performing crunches for that is exactly what the rectus abdominis does.
-2
I feel impelled to say that the individual who posed the question specifically said "abdominals" and not "core.
The two are different. Hence my response.
Perhaps the question should have been, is it possible to train your core without doing crunches?
The two are different. Hence my response.
Perhaps the question should have been, is it possible to train your core without doing crunches?
