Are You Doing Crunches the Right Way?

Stomach crunches are a great way to tone that common problem area — the lower-stomach pooch. But if you aren't doing them correctly, you won't get the rock-hard results you want! Here's how to do them the right way: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. If you are a beginner, or have neck problems, you can place a pillow under your head and neck. Press your lower back firmly to the floor; there should be no arch at all during the entire movement.

Rest your head in your hands, keeping your neck and shoulders relaxed. Tighten your abdominals to slowly lift your shoulders off the floor about six inches. Exhale as you crunch up. Remember to squeeze your abs to do the lift. Don't rock in an effort to gain momentum, or try to pull your head up with your arms. It helps to keep your elbows back and your chin up, as if you were holding an apple between your chin and your chest.

Slowly relax your stomach muscles to lower your shoulders back to the floor. Don't rush it. Focus on your form as you move through the crunch from start to finish. Do two sets of 8 to 12 crunches each. Fabulous!