Difference Between Crunches and Sit ups

Crunches vs Sit ups
Crunches and sit ups are the most common work outs in an exercise routine. Both these are very effective for the abdomen and burn up a considerable amount of calories and fat. Though people often consider crunches and sit ups as the same thing, both are different.

The crunch is a work out that is also known as curl up. It is very beneficial in tightening and strengthening the abdominal muscles. A sit up is more effective on your arms, back, and butt.

When you do a sit up, you lie down with your back on the floor and touch your knees with your elbows. In this process, your feet are firm on the ground and the back rises towards the knees, with your butt acting as the pivotal point. And while doing crunches also you have the same position as that of a sit up. But the difference is that you only crunch a little with your back and abdomen. You do not leave the floor but raise your upper back a little in the process.

Sit ups are more stressful than crunches. This is due to the fact that you have to raise your entire back from the floor while doing a sit up. Crunches can be done in the sit up position or by raising your legs in the air. You can also use exercise balls and weights while doing crunches. These increase the resistance.

In a crunch, as your lower back does not leave the floor, it discards any movement of the hip flexors and makes the whole process concentrate on your abdomen. You can increase the difficulty level of the crunch by lying on a declined bench. There are different types of crunches like reverse crunch, dragon flag, twisting crunch, and Thai crunch. Crunches are in fact partial sit ups.

Sit up is more of a strength training exercise for the abdomen and hip flexors. Sit ups may not be comfortable for all as it involves a bit of strain to raise all of the body above the butt. If not performed properly, sit ups can damage your spine and inter vertebral discs. It is not recommended individuals with weak abdominal muscles do aggressive sit ups in a training session. Full sit ups are considered risky for the backbone.

Both sit ups and crunches are involved in the muscle building and toning exercises. Usually mornings, before breakfast, is the best time to do both these exercises. When you do it before breakfast, you will not feel heavy or hard in the abdomen area and can do the exercises more effectively.

Summary

1.The difference between the crunches and sit ups is in the posture and the stress level. Crunches are like partial sit ups.
2.In crunches,  you just crunch your body, in sit ups you have to raise your whole back to touch the knees with the elbows.
3.Sit up is more of a strength training exercise.

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