AB*shudder* theory

[MDee]

alright, i know alot of people believe that doing crunches will not slim down your waist, and make it bigger/bulkier if anything. this did not happen for me! i started doing crunches before bed every night..when im watching tv...just whenever, and im seeing awesome results. i read somewhere that excess fat goes to where its easiest for your body to store it, aka non muscular areas. muscle burns fat, we all know that, so we should all realizes that crunches (plus cardio and healthy diet of course) will help abs noticably.
so yea thats my two cents if anyone was intrested :)

[compassionate1]

Good discussion. Below is from an article at bodybuilding.com.

"As mentioned above, I receive regular fan mail for my abs so it may surprise you to learn that my preferred abdominal exercise is the traditional crunch. Infomercials describe crunches as archaic and outdated. They show people grimacing in back pain as they try to complete just a few simple reps.

Well, unless you have a medical condition that would prohibit you from doing crunches, do them! Variations of crunches, from flat to incline will not only add variety to your routine but also help to ensure that you target the variety of muscles in the abdominal panel."

Pretty good article altogether. The section on diet is not applicable for people on this board, though you could just substitute plant-based protein sources.

[Ducati]

MDee,

I have heard the myth that crunches will cause you to have a larger waist as well. I hear guys with 40 inch waist say it all the time. LOL I think after you burned off all the fat, then continue doing more and more crunches everyday, you will eventually start to build the muscle and it will grow. But I think that takes a great deal of work.

[Gita]

It depends on how fat you are to begin with I think. I think crunches would slim you down. Females do not gain muscle mass like men do. I think for men, It would even out to a certain point. but certainly the six pack ab look is no doubt healthier-- and if you have seen some of the overweight people-- I doubt that a person who does crunches will ever get that big.

[Banshee Beat!]

I swear by crunches. It is said you can't spot reduce, but my stomach always flattens if i only do them and no other workout. :) I think it would take many, many, crunches in a female especially, to gain inches.