What's New Wednesday: Smart Crunches

Summertime typically means swimsuits. And while I'm gravitating for the one-pieces these days, I still would like to have the tummy I sported back in college. So, here is how to make your crunches count.

1. Nix those old-school sit-ups.
   Sit-ups that require you to come all the way up from the floor to your knees can put a strain on your lower back and neck. Make the switch to crunches instead. Crunches should be a smaller movement where you lift your head and shoulders up from the floor about 1/3 of the way, then back down again.
2. Cross your hands over your chest, not behind your neck.
   Pulling your head up with your hands when you do crunches can really put a strain on your neck. Instead, cross your arms over your chest and focus on pulling up with your abdominal muscles. Your head, neck and abs should be in one straight line.
3. Pull in and press down.
   At the top of your crunch, pull your belly button in towards your spine while you press your lower back down to the floor. Exhale while you do this to steady your breathing. According to FitSugar, these small adjustments will create the right amount of tension in your abdominal wall, making the muscles stronger.
4. Keep Your Chin Up.
   Instead of touching your chin to your chest while you crunch, keep your chin pointed upward to the ceiling. This will isolate your core and create that burn in your lower abdomen. You will also minimize strain on your neck: double bonus.
5. Inhale and relax.
   When you’re lowering down from your crunch, inhale and relax while you return back to your starting position, without completely relaxing the muscular tension in your abs. According to Livestrong, a set of 10-25 repetitions should be a challenge if you are doing your crunches correctly.

Now...get crunchin'!

Source: Lauren Conrad