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Work Those Abs
By Jeffrey Crupi

Now that warm weather has finally arrived, here are some exercises to help you look and feel your best this summer

working abs

Here are some terrific abdominal exercises you can do before hitting the beach. Please keep in mind that if you have any back or neck problems, or if you are in pre-or post-natal condition, you should consult your physician before attempting these exercises.

Crunches

  1. Lie on an exercise mat with your feet on the floor and your knees bent. Interlock your hands and place them behind your head.

  2. Slowly curl your mid-section upward while tightening your abdominal muscles. Stop the upward motion when your shoulder blades have come off the exercise mat. This upward movement should be done in a three-second count.

  3. Pause when your shoulder blades have come off the exercise mat.

  4. Lower yourself down to the starting position (three count move).

Tips for doing crunches

  • Come up to a 25-30 degree angle.

  • Keep your lower back pressed to the floor.

  • Exhale on the way up and inhale on the way down.

  • Keep your elbows out and away from your face. Do not pull on your neck.

  • Lead with your chin toward the ceiling. This will keep your airway open.

Side crunches

  1. Lie on an exercise mat with your feet on the floor and your knees bent. Interlock your hands and place them behind your head.

  2. Slowly curl your mid-section upward and twist your torso so your right elbow goes toward your left knee.

  3. Pause when your shoulder blades have come off the exercise mat.

  4. Lower your torso down to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite side.

Try to start with a realistic number of repetitions, such as 15 crunches, 15 right-side crunches and 15 left-side crunches. As your abdominal muscles strengthen, gradually increase the amount of repetitions.

Always remember that doing hundreds of crunches will not burn fat around your mid-section or anywhere else on your body. To eliminate body fat, a combination of cardiovascular exercise, weight-bearing exercise and healthy eating is necessary. Here's to a healthy summer!

Jeffrey Crupi is the owner of Peak Fitness Gym in Westport, CT. He is a certified fitness specialist with a degree from Marymount Manhattan College.