I thought it wasn't actually necessary to "crunch." I thought just coming up as far as you can, even if it seems like it is not very far, helped build up the abs and helped prevent straining one's back while building up the abs. Don't force it - just get to where you start feeling the burn and go back down.

Have you done the exercise where you get on the floor with your back down and knees bent and then put one ankle over the opposite knee? Then you make the crunching motion towards the knee that doesn't have the ankle on it? That works the transverse abdominal muscles, or so I have been told, and is another way to work on the abs from the side instead of just working on them from the center. Then you switch knees and work the other side. I found it pretty effective in addition to the regular old up the center crunching-type exercise.

i will try that, thanks

I thought crunches and sit-ups were out of date now and everyone was into planking. Certainly, I feel like the muscles are working more. Search "plank" or "planking" on youtube if you've never seen one.

I had the same problem with ab crunches, so I never did them. Until I was taught to do them on an exercise ball. This is the best way for me to work my abs and I actually enjoy it now. (Weird, right?!) I can feel the workout in my abs and don't feel excessive strain on my back. The DVD that came with my ball is very helpful and gave other ab exercises too. Give that a try you may like it. Be sure to read the ball box, get the size right for your weight and height. :o)

ci do crunches regularly,
if you're straining it means you have weak core muscles.


there are however dozens of other excercises that will strengthen your core such as leg raises

http://www.jefit.com/exercises/

click the area you want to destroy and profit,