“Sit-Ups vs. Crunches: Understanding the Key Differences in Technique and Muscles Worked for Optimal Abdominal Fitness”

2023-05-04 11:23:44

Sit-ups and Crunches: What’s the Difference?

Both sit-ups and crunches are done backwards on a mat. Your legs are straightened and your hands are placed loosely behind your head. Now lift your upper body up – and that’s where the differences between the two exercises become noticeable.

With sit-ups, you raise your torso so far that your back lifts off the mat and you practically sit up. With crunches, you only roll your upper body a little, keeping your lower back on the mat. It becomes clear that the range of motion with crunches is smaller than with sit-ups.

Another difference: Your abs are worked in a number of ways: Sit-ups work your rectus abdominis, upper and middle abs, and your hip flexors. Crunches also strengthen your straight abdominal muscles, as well as your oblique and deep core muscles.