I've read many sites that explain the proper form in doing crunches. They also say that you should only need to do 10-15 reps/set. However, I don't feel anything until at least 30. Am I doing something wrong?

i do fifteen reps myself. put a small plate on your chest or try them on a decline if you are not already.

I had the same experience. I could do a whole bunch of crunches at once, even weighted, then I read this thread http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=3534 and learned to really engage my transversus while doing crunches. Now I do 15 reps with a 25 lb. plate and I'm cashed. I really feel like it's working my abs a lot better, too.

Hope this helps.

I've read many sites that explain the proper form in doing crunches. They also say that you should only need to do 10-15 reps/set. However, I don't feel anything until at least 30. Am I doing something wrong? Have you tried doing them slower? MUUUUUUCH slower?

Have you tried doing them slower? MUUUUUUCH slower?

Good advice! I see a lot of people who start pumping out 100 crunches or even -- those who have the right idea -- sets of 15 to 30 as fast as they can. Get a stomach vaccuum, engage the rectus abdominis, then crunch slowly, with a full contraction at the top of each crunch. Even better, hold the contraction for a second and then start a slow descent.

Be sure that crunches are not the only ab exercise you're doing. You'll need to do reverse crunches or leg raises to work the lower abs. Read the thread The Bied linked to. It's very good.

why not incline full sit ups? they kill my abs (upper and lower)

Make sure you are tightening(crunching) your stomach on the way up. Also, consider giving weighted cable crunches and weighted leg lifts a try for a killer ab workout.


Jason

Thanks for the responses! I'll definitely try these out tonight at the gym.