Dont do crunches!

[K-Max]

So if not crunches, which exercises would be best to target the core directly you find work best?

I'm mixed about crunches as I'm always second guessing if I'm doing them right even though my abs do feel worked.

[natenator]

Same argument could be made against squats.

Squats target more muscles than just quads in fact, back squats have a higher recruitement from hamstrings and glutes.

[GYMBRAT]

I only ever did crunches when I was younger, Tho I do still do the odd crunch, im not an avid believer in needing them for decent abs.

[#8]

Same argument could be made against squats.

Squats target more muscles than just quads in fact, back squats have a higher recruitement from hamstrings and glutes.

Squats do not lead to tightening of the hip flexors when done properly. I would say most people have horrific form at both squats and crunches. I dont see how one can go wrong doing balance work like plank and variations of the plank to target abs and core. I never had as strong and defined a core as when my strength coach had me doing superset core plank work. That stuff was brutally hard.

[Praetorian]

Neither do crunches...the issue is training incorrectly not the exercise. Ive heard this a thousand times....blaming the exercise because of improper form...from bench press to deadlifts etc
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[#8]

I just dont see how a crunch could ever be viewed as a useful core exercise COMPARED to a plank, squat, deadlift, chin up, etc.

Its like saying you wanna really target your quads so youre gonna do leg extensions. Why not do squats and actually build functional strength and size?

[TT Eric]

I never had as strong and defined a core as when my strength coach had me doing superset core plank work. That stuff was brutally hard.

Do you mind sharing it, it seems interesting!

Eric

[Praetorian]

I just dont see how a crunch could ever be viewed as a useful core exercise COMPARED to a plank, squat, deadlift, chin up, etc.

Its like saying you wanna really target your quads so youre gonna do leg extensions. Why not do squats and actually build functional strength and size?

Its useful because it works and has worked for many for a very long time...im not saying other exercises are not useful as well...but its illogical to say something doesnt work when there ia tonnes of proof.
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[Praetorian]

I just dont see how a crunch could ever be viewed as a useful core exercise COMPARED to a plank, squat, deadlift, chin up, etc.

Its like saying you wanna really target your quads so youre gonna do leg extensions. Why not do squats and actually build functional strength and size?

I've always squatted for leg mass etc but I still do leg extensions because they target a specific muscle more so than squatting ...ie VMO As with abs i try to do a variety of exercises to hit the muscle from a few different angles.
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[#8]

Do you mind sharing it, it seems interesting!

Eric

pushups from elbows 10 each arm
plank with one hand and one leg raise out 20 each arm / leg
plank with full reach out and touch the floor in front of you 20 each arm (done quickly)

try that and tell me you still think crunches are effective