Blackwood says crunches "target the rectus abdominis muscle, which is the'six-pack' muscle in front of the abdomen." This muscle strengthens your core, posture, and stability. She demonstrates crunches, "Lie on your back, legs bent, feet flat on the floor. Exhaling, lift your shoulders and crunch up with your hands behind your head. Hold for a moment, then slowly lower to the starting position."
Sit-ups work all abdominal muscles, while crunches emphasize the abdominis muscle. "The rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis muscles," Blackwood explains. Sit-ups improve core strength, stability, and posture. "Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor" for a sit-up.
Sit-ups or crunches? "Both crunches and sit-ups burn a similar amount of calories," explains Duquette. "So both are similarly good for burning stomach fat." "Crunches are better for improving your appearance," he says, but "sit-ups are better for gaining general strength."
According to Blackwood, crunches and sit-ups work the abdominal muscles, but neither alone reduces stomach fat. "This is because spot reduction, or the idea that you can target fat loss in a specific area of the body by doing specific exercises, is a myth
She advises eating "a balance of whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide adequate energy and nutrition for exercise and daily activities." Eat lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. To lose weight and stay healthy, drink plenty of water and other non-sugary drinks and get eight hours of sleep every night.
Crunches and sit-ups "can be effective for strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles, which can help create a more defined midsection," but they don't burn stomach fat. Blackwood believes you can burn belly fat and get a flatter tummy with regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and a healthy lifestyle.