When you want to get a good ab workout, the most popular form of exercise that you’ll see at fitness classes in Raleigh NC consists of sit ups and crunches. These two seem to be very similar, and they are, but they have differences as well. Each has different movements and works different muscle groups, so which one is best?
That question is for you to answer and today we’re going break down sit ups and crunches so you can better decide. If you’re looking for free fitness classes in Raleigh NC, call CrossFit Invoke today or click here to get started.
Sit Ups
The Pros – Sit ups are great because you are able to do them anywhere, anytime, as well as work out multiple muscle groups. Neither sit up or crunches target stomach fat, however sit ups do train the abs and other core muscles for strength training. These other muscle groups include:
- Neck
- Chest
- Hip Flexors
- Lower Back
By building muscle, sit-ups also help with posture and you burn more calories compared to crunches.
The Cons – As with most exercises, the biggest drawback with sit ups is the risk of getting injured. You can pull and strain muscles in your back and neck if they are done incorrectly.
Crunches
The Pros – Crunches, like sit ups, are great for building strength and muscle. However, crunches are better if you want an intense muscle isolation workout instead of an exercise that works many groups at once. Whereas sit ups are better suited for building strength in many muscle groups and gaining more flexibility, crunches are better used to get toned for that six-pack look. Crunches are also good for building core core strength. Like sit ups, they will also help you with posture and balance.
The Cons – While working your core and abs is great, building up strength in other areas is also important. That is why you should not just exclusively do crunches, you should mix it up with sit ups as well. And neither crunches or sit ups burn fat, so if your main goal is losing weight you’ll have to incorporate more cardio.
Another element you’ll need to think about is your own fitness level. If you’re a beginner, then you need to start out slowly and work your way up. You can also strain your back and neck by trying to accomplish too much too soon. At our fitness classes in Raleigh NC, we suggest that you start off with a set of 10 to 25 at a time. Then you can add more sets as you get stronger.
So What’s the Takeaway?
Both of these exercises are great at strengthening and developing core your muscle over time. Both will also help you to improve your posture and reduce the chance of having a back injury later in life. However, neither are great for weight loss and fat burning. Even though they burn calories, they’re not sufficient for weight loss goals. You should be sure to combine cardio exercises along with a healthy, low-calorie diet and rest.
Searching for Fitness Classes in Raleigh NC? Call Invoke Today!
Are you looking for a great facility and coaches to help you with your health goals? Call CrossFit Invoke. We offer personalized fitness classes in Raleigh NC for people of all ages. If you’re serious about getting healthy, we can help you. We even offer free fitness classes so you can try us out before you make a commitment. At Invoke, you can even sign up for group sessions with your friends. This way you can all hold each other accountable.
Please call our gym in Raleigh with any questions, or just drop by the box. We’re located right outside of downtown.
