{"id":1529,"date":"2021-12-03T08:57:04","date_gmt":"2021-12-03T08:57:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.joggo.run\/?p=1529"},"modified":"2024-08-21T14:23:40","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T14:23:40","slug":"how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Do Crunch Kick Exercises Properly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What\u2019s a crunch, if not one of the best exercises to help tone your abs? You\u2019ve probably been crunching your abs at least once, but have you ever tried crunch kicks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The purpose of a crunch kick exercise is to tone your lower abs and strengthen your core. It\u2019s a simple bodyweight exercise you can do at home or while you\u2019re traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what are crunch kicks exactly? And how do you get them right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to find out what crunch kicks are, how they differ from kick-down crunches, and how to integrate them into your workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in-this-article\"><\/span>In This Article<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >In This Article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#in-this-article\" title=\"In This Article\">In This Article<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#benefits-of-crunch-kicks\" title=\"Benefits of Crunch Kicks\">Benefits of Crunch Kicks<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#tone-your-abs\" title=\"Tone your abs\">Tone your abs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#strengthen-your-core\" title=\"Strengthen your core\">Strengthen your core<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#improve-flexibility\" title=\"Improve flexibility\">Improve flexibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#burn-calories\" title=\"Burn calories\">Burn calories<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#boost-your-heart-rate\" title=\"Boost your heart rate\">Boost your heart rate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#warm-up\" title=\"Warm up\">Warm up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#focus-area-muscles-worked\" title=\"Focus Area: Muscles Worked\">Focus Area: Muscles Worked<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#how-to-do-crunch-kicks\" title=\"How to Do Crunch Kicks\">How to Do Crunch Kicks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#choosing-crunch-kick-variations\" title=\"Choosing Crunch Kick Variations\">Choosing Crunch Kick Variations<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#reverse-crunches\" title=\"Reverse crunches\">Reverse crunches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#tabletop-crunches\" title=\"Tabletop crunches\">Tabletop crunches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#twisting-crunches\" title=\"Twisting Crunches\">Twisting Crunches<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#avoiding-common-mistakes\" title=\"Avoiding Common Mistakes\">Avoiding Common Mistakes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#takeaways\" title=\"Takeaways\">Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#frequently-asked-questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#what-are-crunch-kicks-good-for\" title=\"What are crunch kicks good for?\">What are crunch kicks good for?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#do-crunches-give-you-abs\" title=\"Do crunches give you abs?\">Do crunches give you abs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#what-is-the-best-crunch-movement\" title=\"What is the best crunch movement?\">What is the best crunch movement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#are-crunches-worth-it\" title=\"Are crunches worth it?\">Are crunches worth it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#does-crunch-burn-fat\" title=\"Does crunch burn fat?\">Does crunch burn fat?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-do-crunch-kicks-properly\/#references\" title=\"References \">References <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"benefits-of-crunch-kicks\"><\/span>Benefits of Crunch Kicks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s more than about your abs and core. Here are the key benefits you can get if you do crunch kicks every week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tone-your-abs\"><\/span>Tone your abs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crunch kicks can strengthen your abs and make your journey to a six-pack easier. But keep in mind that nutrition plays a crucial role in showcasing abs. More often than not, abs are made in the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For your abs to show through, your body needs to have a certain percentage of body fat. Men need to be at<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/body-fat-percentage-for-abs#female-percentages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 5\u201314% and women at 5\u201319% body fat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"strengthen-your-core\"><\/span>Strengthen your core<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From bending to tie your shoelaces to reaching out for a high object,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/healthbeat\/the-real-world-benefits-of-strengthening-your-core\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> a strong core makes everyday activities easier.<\/a> It can also relieve back pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/fitness\/in-depth\/core-exercises\/art-20044751\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> it improves posture, stability and reduces the risk of injuries<\/a>. It can help with maintaining a healthy <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/running-form-8-tips-on-how-to-run-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">running form<\/a> too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"improve-flexibility\"><\/span>Improve flexibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crunch kicks can also help improve flexibility. As a runner, having higher flexibility can help you move with greater ease. It can lower your <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/injury-prevention-for-running-enthusiasts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">risk of injury<\/a> too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"burn-calories\"><\/span>Burn calories<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re keen to burn some extra calories, crunch kicks can definitely help. After all, every calorie counts, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"boost-your-heart-rate\"><\/span>Boost your <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-runners-use-heart-rate-zones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">heart rate<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crunch kicks are demanding and will get your heart pumping right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"warm-up\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/stretches-before-running\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Warm up<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can do crunch kicks as a warm-up exercise for your core, glutes, and legs. You can even incorporate them into a pre-run warm-up routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"focus-area-muscles-worked\"><\/span>Focus Area: Muscles Worked<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what muscles do crunches work? Crunch kicks work your lower abs, particularly the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/conditionsandtreatments\/abdominal-muscles#:~:text=rectus%20abdominis%20%E2%80%93%20slung%20between%20the,the%20ribcage%20and%20the%20pelvis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> rectus abdominis muscle<\/a>. This muscle lies between your pubic bone and ribs. The rectus abdominis enables the flexion of the trunk and helps with expiration too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to crunches, muscles worked also include, to a lesser extent, the obliques and the deep core muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you may have guessed, your leg muscles get a bit of an exercise as well. Crunch kicks stimulate the glutes (<a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/hip-strengthening-and-mobility-exercises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hip muscles<\/a>) and the quads (thigh muscles). It can warm up these muscles in preparation for a run or a more intense leg workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-to-do-crunch-kicks\"><\/span>How to Do Crunch Kicks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You probably know how to do crunches already. Starting with your lower back and feet flat on the ground, you pull your body up by bringing your shoulders to your hips and engaging your stomach muscles. Keeping your core engaged, you then return to the starting position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Doing crunch kicks is not much harder. Follow the simple steps below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Lie down on the floor with your arms stretched at your sides. Your palms should be on the floor and slightly away from your body. Your shoulders should be slightly lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Raise your feet off the floor and bend them at the knees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Next, extend your knees away from your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Bring your knees back into the starting position to complete a rep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. As with standard crunches, do three sets of 10 to 12 reps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> An effective crunch kick workout includes other ab exercises, such as classic crunches, sit-ups, or lying knee raises. By incorporating crunch kicks with upper ab exercises, you can get a more fully defined ab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>Don\u2019t confuse crunch kicks with kick crunches. You do the latter standing up, touching your foot with your opposite hand as you bring it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"choosing-crunch-kick-variations\"><\/span>Choosing Crunch Kick Variations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Crunch kicks are fun. But don\u2019t forget that there are plenty of crunch variations you can try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> For all these exercises, you can start with three sets of 10 to 12 reps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"reverse-crunches\"><\/span>Reverse crunches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What is a reverse crunch? Quite the opposite of a classic crunch, since you bring your knees to your chest rather than the other way around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to do reverse crunches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Lie on the floor with your arms stretched and palms down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Raise your legs and bend your knees at a 90-degree angle. Your thighs should be perpendicular to the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Engage your core and bring your knees to your chest, raising your hips off the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Maintain the position for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. Lower your legs back into the initial position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with all crunches, it\u2019s better to do it slowly. Don\u2019t rush it. Moving up with the swinging momentum from your legs is also one of the mistakes that should be avoided. Remember: it\u2019s an ab exercise, not a swinging one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tabletop-crunches\"><\/span>Tabletop crunches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tabletop crunches are a level up from standard crunches. But they\u2019re not too hard to do, so you can try them if you\u2019re in good shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to do tabletop crunches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Lie on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Raise your legs and bend them at the knee at a right angle. Optionally, you can cross one foot over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Place your hands on your head for support \u2013 no pulling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Lift your upper body toward the knees to complete a crunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"twisting-crunches\"><\/span>Twisting Crunches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This variation engages the side part of your ab muscles, the obliques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to do twisting crunches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Lie down with your knees bent and your feet on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Lift your back and shoulders off the floor as you would for a standard crunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Rotate your torso to one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement, this time on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"avoiding-common-mistakes\"><\/span>Avoiding Common Mistakes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As with any other workout, proper form is important when performing crunch kicks. So is <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-breath-while-running\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breathing<\/a>. Here are some common mistakes you want to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Don\u2019t breathe haphazardly. Mind your breathing pattern. Breathe in when you pull your legs in and breathe out when you extend them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain proper form. Perform the exercise slowly enough for you to remain in control of it throughout. Don\u2019t just follow the momentum of your movements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fully straighten your legs when performing the kick.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep your shoulders lifted off the ground and your arms stretched.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep your knees close together as you bring them toward your face.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When performing the kick, make sure your palms stay on the ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perform simple warm-ups before doing kick crunches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"takeaways\"><\/span>Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few things to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Crunch kicks are an effective bodyweight abs exercise you can do every week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This exercise can tone your abs, strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s best to integrate crunch kicks with other ab exercises for the best results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You won\u2019t get a six-pack unless you also eat lean and achieve a low body fat percentage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crunch kicks can be a good warm-up exercise for runners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Add some crunch kicks to your next workout, and let us know how it goes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-are-crunch-kicks-good-for\"><\/span><strong>What are crunch kicks good for?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crunch kicks are an effective bodyweight exercise for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Toning your lower abs:<\/strong>&nbsp;The alternating leg movement primarily targets the rectus abdominis muscle,&nbsp;particularly its lower portion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strengthening your core:<\/strong>&nbsp;Engaging your core throughout the exercise helps stabilize your spine and improve overall core strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improving flexibility:<\/strong>&nbsp;The leg extensions and retractions can slightly enhance hip and lower back flexibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Warming up:<\/strong>\u00a0Crunch kicks can prepare your core for more demanding exercises in a workout routine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do-crunches-give-you-abs\"><\/span><strong>Do crunches give you abs?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crunches, including crunch kicks, can help strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles, but they alone won&#8217;t necessarily give you visible abs. Building visible abs requires two main factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reducing overall body fat:<\/strong>&nbsp;Abs are muscles under a layer of fat.&nbsp;To see them defined,&nbsp;you need to achieve a low body fat percentage,&nbsp;typically below 15% for men and 20% for women.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Building overall core strength:<\/strong>\u00a0Crunches target specific muscles,\u00a0but a strong core involves various muscles,\u00a0including obliques and transverse abdominis.\u00a0Combining exercises targeting different core areas is crucial.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-the-best-crunch-movement\"><\/span><strong>What is the best crunch movement?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There isn&#8217;t a single &#8220;best&#8221; crunch movement, as each variation targets different aspects of your core and might suit individual preferences and fitness levels better. Some popular crunch variations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Standard crunches:<\/strong>&nbsp;These engage the upper and lower rectus abdominis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reverse crunches:<\/strong>&nbsp;Focuses on the lower abs and hip flexors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bicycle crunches:<\/strong>&nbsp;Targets obliques and upper abs with a twisting motion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Russian twists:<\/strong>\u00a0Works obliques and core stability as you rotate your torso with a weight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"are-crunches-worth-it\"><\/span><strong>Are crunches worth it?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crunches can be a valuable exercise as part of a comprehensive core workout routine, particularly for beginners. However, they have limitations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Potential for back pain:<\/strong>&nbsp;Improper form or overuse can strain your lower back.&nbsp;Focus on maintaining a neutral spine and engaging your core throughout the movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limited muscle engagement:<\/strong>&nbsp;Crunches primarily target the rectus abdominis,&nbsp;neglecting other crucial core muscles like obliques and transverse abdominis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Not the most effective for fat loss:<\/strong>\u00a0Crunches primarily burn calories in the abdominal area,\u00a0which isn&#8217;t the most efficient way to lose overall body fat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"does-crunch-burn-fat\"><\/span><strong>Does crunch burn fat?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like any exercise, crunches burn calories. However, they aren&#8217;t the most effective fat-burning exercise due to their targeted muscle group and limited calorie expenditure. Aim for compound exercises and cardio activities that engage larger muscle groups and elevate your heart rate for better fat burning results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"references\"><\/span>References <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/research.stmarys.ac.uk\/id\/eprint\/5722\/\">Vagner, M., Cleather, D.J., Kubovy, P., Hojka, V. and Stastny, P., 2021. Effect of strength training programs on front push kick dynamics and kinematics.\u00a0<em>Archives of Budo<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1360859206001458\">Sekendiz, B., Altun, \u00d6., Korkusuz, F. and Ak\u0131n, S., 2007. Effects of Pilates exercise on trunk strength, endurance and flexibility in sedentary adult females.\u00a0<em>Journal of bodywork and movement therapies<\/em>,\u00a0<em>11<\/em>(4), pp.318-326.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstage.jst.go.jp\/article\/jpts\/27\/3\/27_jpts-2014-537\/_article\/-char\/ja\/\">Kim, S., Shim, J., Kim, S., Namkoong, S. and Kim, H., 2015. The effect of superficial trunk muscle exercise and deep trunk muscle exercise on the foot pressure of healthy adults.\u00a0<em>Journal of Physical Therapy Science<\/em>,\u00a0<em>27<\/em>(3), pp.711-713.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.gale.com\/ps\/i.do?id=GALE%7CA225786395&amp;sid=googleScholar&amp;v=2.1&amp;it=r&amp;linkaccess=abs&amp;issn=15269140&amp;p=HRCA&amp;sw=w\">Brown, J., 2010. Build your own Abs: like anything else, sculpting an amazing midsection takes commitment, dedication and knowledge. We can help with that last part.\u00a0<em>Muscle &amp; Fitness\/Hers<\/em>,\u00a0<em>11<\/em>(3), pp.52-58.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?hl=en&amp;lr=&amp;id=tQ8YZt__wKAC&amp;oi=fnd&amp;pg=PP2&amp;dq=%22crunch%22+kick+exercise&amp;ots=7j8TUO_LYo&amp;sig=MY-EV2U2-6QiY0aqTzXesCXaIBc\">Detz, J., 2005.\u00a0<em>Ultimate Core Ball Workout: Strengthening and Sculpting Exercises with Over 200 Step-by-Step Photos<\/em>. Ulysses Press.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What\u2019s a crunch, if not one of the best exercises to help tone your abs? You\u2019ve probably been crunching your&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1533,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"22","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,20],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1529"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1529"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4391,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1529\/revisions\/4391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1533"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}