Abdominal muscle strength and endurance are usually measured by crunches. As we measured our upper body strength earlier by push-ups. We use crunches to measure how strong and enduring our abdonminals are going to be.
In order to do that, you want to lay flat on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. You want to keep your arms flot and extended, palm down on the floor next to you. You should curl upwards in the crunch, raising your shoulders up and pointing your chin towards your feet. It’s important that you do not use your neck muscles to do this. If you feel an incredible strain in your neck when you are doing this, then you need to take it easy and remember to pull yourself up from your core.
Count the number of crunches you perform without halting or losing form. The following is a guide to determining your abdominal endurance and strength.
Crunches – Men
Age: Under 35
- Excellent 60 crunches
- Good 45 crunches
- Marginal 30 crunches
- Needs Work 15 crunches
Age: 36-45
- Excellent 50 crunches
- Good 40 crunches
- Marginal 25 crunches
- Needs Work 10 crunches
Crunches – Women
Age: Under 35
- Excellent 50 crunches
- Good 40 crunches
- Marginal 25 crunches
- Needs Work 10 crunches
Age: 36-45
- Excellent 40 crunches
- Good 25 crunches
- Marginal 15 crunches
- Needs Work 6 crunches