How many crunches should I do to flatten my belly?!
Question: I'm 19 and I use to have a really flat belly...but recently i've gained lots of weight and my belly started to bulge out! I'm also on the pill and I think that has contributed to my weight gain. My boyfriend says its flattened a bit since I use to go to the gym...but it's closed for the holidays so now I have nowhere to go until it opens again. I heard that crunches or sit-ups help. Is there is a difference between the two and how can I use them to help in flattening my belly? Thanx in advance
Answers: I'm 19 and I use to have a really flat belly...but recently i've gained lots of weight and my belly started to bulge out! I'm also on the pill and I think that has contributed to my weight gain. My boyfriend says its flattened a bit since I use to go to the gym...but it's closed for the holidays so now I have nowhere to go until it opens again. I heard that crunches or sit-ups help. Is there is a difference between the two and how can I use them to help in flattening my belly? Thanx in advance
Baby Boo,
I have this problem also. I am not a fitness instructor but these are some of the methods that have worked for me.
1st-Be sure you are not suffering from food allergies that may cause gas and/or bloating. Try avoiding gassy foods, dairy products and start adding Activia Yogurt.
2nd-I firmly believe in Detoxing. Verseo has a system that targets toxins in the tummy area. www.verseo.com / toll free 1-877-261-1570 ($39.95 + $5.95 S/H) "Detox Home Body Wrap"
3rd-Remember that a flat tummy is dependent on toning up four areas of muscles.
Area1-Front Upper Abs
Sit-ups & crunches work the front upper tummy
but crunches are more intense. I prefer crunches. Plant both feet under a bed, or chair or have a partner anchor your feet as you make a 45 degree up & down movement. A 90 degree movement is the less effective "sit-up." Work up to as many as possible but be slow & steady. (Be careful to support your lower back).
Area 2-Front Mid & Lower Abs
This will sound crazy but it works! Hold in your tummy for long periods of time. Breathe normally. Walk, bike, drive, and hold in that tummy.
Area 3-The Waist & Love Handles
Again, you may not believe this, but try a wide belt that you can gradually tighten over time. It reminds you to hold in your tummy and helps alleviate water retention. (Be careful not to go too tight or too small)! Also, use a stick about six inches past each outstretched arm's fingertip. Sit up in a straight chair, place the stick behind your upper back, keep your feet planted and gently turn from left -to middle-to right and the more reps the better. (Be careful not to overextend, go too fast, or strain your lower back). The "old timey" method is to stand with feet shoulder width apart and hands on hips. Then move as far as you can -to left-center-to right & repeat as many reps as possible.
Area 4-Lower Back Muscles
These muscles must be strong as they support your stomach the most. Think of being flat on your tummy & gently raising your upper body. In the gym you can do this while hanging from inversion boots, or on a bench that allows you to hook the back of your legs for support while you cross your hands over your chest and lift you torso up and down slowly. (This is great for your lower back as well).
As with any exercise, breathe in on release(rest) and out during muscle contraction(work).
Whittle that waist, girl!
100
as many as it takes... also, try lots of cardio exercising to burn fat
I don't think that you should be asking for ways to make yourself in a way that you will dress indecent in public, in order to offend me. I am reporting you for abuse.
10 crunches at a time, 3 to 4 sets of 10 which means u should do like 30-40. Eat less calories and less salt. Do pushups too. Do 30 pushups and you will see a change
since your a girl you should just do 100 accurate sit ups a day without stopping, a basic is sit up is arms crossed over chest knees bent and you move up touching your chest against your knees without lifting your arms
I do three sets of forty-five in a day and my tummy is toned up. Also, what kind of pill are you taking?? I take ortho tri-cyclen but it is the generic brand TriNessa. I haven't gained any weight while taking it and I am planning on switching over to NuvaRing. I know a lot of women who are very pleased and do not get many mood swings hardly ever. And you only have to insert one once every month! And you also do not have to worry about it like you do the pill which has to be taken everyday if it is the combination pill. You should really try the NuvaRing though! I am certainly going to change because the pill is known to cause mood changes and in some people weight gain. But ortho tri-cyclen rarely does. Maybe it is causing food cravings and is making you eat more junk foods? Check with your doctor about switching over. Good luck ;)
If you start with too many crunches you can get cramps in your muscles, so I suggest to start with 10.
You can do them in the morning and in the evening. On the second day add 5 more, so it will be 15. In couple of days add 5 more. Increase the number gradually. Or if it's too hard choose your own plan.
Hope this helps.
Crunches do help to flatten belly!