General Fitness

[Twin-Skies]

I don't have problems maintaining my weight, but I really don't have much exercise. I always end up hurting my back doing crunches, because I might really be doing it wrong. Tips on crunches anyone?

1. Make sure to do it on flat, level ground.

2. Do the movement slowly.

Count to 1 seconds as you contract your abs, hold your position just before your chest touches your knees - about 8 inches distance between them - and hold that position for around 2 secs, before lowering your upper torso down. Also, make sure the downward movement is also controlled - don't just drop back on the floor.

The idea is to keep your abs under a constant, controlled tension during the whole exercise, since "bouncing" up and dropping down is cheating.

3.he pain you feel in your abs should be akin to a burning sensation if you're doing the exercise properly. If it feels more like a tear, you might want to stop.

4. Don't forget to stretch


Other pointers:

http://www.ab-core-and-stomach-exercises...cises.html

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Have now been doing boxing for about a month. Program has been extended into 2.5 hour sessions:

3 rounds skip rope training
4 rounds shadow boxing (2 w/out weight, 2 w/ 2-lbs weights)
5 rounds heavy bag training
2 rounds mitts
3 rounds wall bag
4 rounds speed ball
4 rounds speed bag

30-second break between rounds filled in with light calisthenics.