crunches vs. sit ups

[stingray]

I'm not sure if others experience this, so my condition may be unique. It seems to me that doing cruches with a short hold at the top are harder for me than Atlas sit ups. I am wondering if I should do more crunches now that I have found that this variation is more difficult for me.

[John Peterson]

hello stingray,

Crunches are a perfect example of DVR/Isometric exercise. Andy62 and I were talking after I had sent him the original Swoboda Course about the fact that Swoboda taught "Crunches" in 1895. He was the only one of his time that did. However "crunches" do not offer the decompression benefits of Atlas Sit-Ups. With that in mind I think that it is a good idea to do both exercises.

---John Peterson

[Greg Newton]

Hi Sting,

It is one of those things where you gravitate with what works best for you and your structure. As John said, the Atlas situps decompress the spine like nothing else and enhance overall athleticism. However, someone with a spare, lean type of structure to begin with might profit more, appearance-wise, with the crunches. As well, anyone who who is just starting out or who has lower back injuries, should probably start with crunches.

So ask yourself what you are looking for and what your preference is. I am also sure that you could enhance your workout by starting with crunches and then supersetting them with Atlas situps.

By the way, if I haven't mentioned it to you already, your new avatar looks FANTASTIC.

Greg

[kenpopaul]

Hi,

I've only been doing Atlas situps for around a month now, and can honestly say I LOVE them! I've never had any kind of back strain from them. At first I could only do a few, but now can crank out 10-15 per set no problem. My back's starting to feel much better too.

With crunches (which I have done on and off for years) - I always strained my back, or neck.

I did find that performing crunches whilst standing up was much easier on my neck/back though. For some reason everyone thinks that crunches can only be performed on the ground, but by doing them standing up you are still performing the same movement - but it's less strain - Something for you to try.

- Kenpopaul