The side crunch is a little different from the usual ab crunches that you might have done. Basically, the motion is a bit different, involving twisting motions.
It targets the sides of your midsection and if done properly will help tone your obliques. The obliques are a set of muscles that run down the side of your abdominal muscles.
As with ab crunches, I'm quite sure you must have done this, after being told that numerous attempts at various crunches will give you a six pack.
However, you now know that exercise goes hand in hand with proper nutrition. I see no reason why you would fail this time.



Once you have touched your knees with both your left and right elbows, you have completed one set of side crunches.
As with other abdominal exercises, you need to cushion your back. Be sure not to forego this safety precaution. I do not want you to suffer from back injuries!
Do not viciously twist your body when you are attempting this exercise. The midsection is a very complex area. Such sudden and violent motions can cause pain in the days following the workout.
This keeps repeating, but I strongly feel that I should remind you again. Do not tug or pull your head forward when you are completing each repetition. If you cannot do it, stop and take a break. When you pull your head, it can strain the neck muscles and injure the spine.
Using weights does not really work well for this workout. The only way you can make things harder is to try increasing the number of times you do this exercise.
This is the one way I recommend to increase the level of intensity. Other methods are too dangerous and can cause various injuries and pain after the workout.
Also remember, quality is better than quantity. Doing 20 poorly done repetitions is worse than doing 10 good ones. So don't beat yourself crazy because you are unable to do as many as your friend.
Do not compare yourself to others. You can become vain or bitter. - Desiderata
But now that I have empowered you with the right knowledge about fitness, you will hopefully use what you have learnt and improve the quality of your life. Start by slowly working out and then improve your fitness, figure and so on.
The most important thing is to take things slow. There is no quick fix in this world. We'd all be supermodels if there were.
I hope you will get a taste of this workout and use it often!

I remember the one major problem I had when I was helping my friend with her weight issue (for the full story, watch the video at the start of this page), and that was her lack of time to fit in much workout routines.
This short report will show you how making simple changes to your diet can be the very thing that can help you lose weight quickly, effectively without risking your health. A proper eating system is the one main factor why so many find it hard to lose weight.
Of course, you will need to put in effort as well. Read more about Eat And Lose Weight.
If you enjoyed this page, why not join the mailing list to Exercise For Beginners Primetime, an e-zine that gives you special fitness information ONLY subscribers get to read! You won't be disappointed!
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Return from Side Crunch to Physical Fitness with Exercise For Beginners