Bottom line: While there are lots of benefits to crunches, automatic weight loss or washboard abs isn’t one of them.

Also, your weight is dependent on a number of other factors that can be out of your control, including hormones, genes, and more, which is important to keep in mind. Eating healthy foods, getting adequate sleep, and working with a doctor or dietitian are all a good idea if sustainable weight loss is a goal. Hold this position for 5 seconds, keeping your shoulders and hips square.Remember that weight loss is complicated, and if you’re looking to lose weight or “flatten” your stomach, exercise is only one small part of the equation.Gaze down toward the floor, keeping your spine and neck in a neutral position.Engage your core as you extend your left arm and right leg.Gently tap the floor with your hip before returning to the starting position.Rotate and drop your hips over to the right side.To do this exercise, start from a forearm plank position. Reach your right arm forward toward your toes.Engage your core as you lift your head and upper body slightly.To begin this exercise, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor near your hips. Keep your hips lifted to form a straight line from the feet to the head.Place your right forearm or hand on the floor in front of you and lift your hips off the ground.Lie on your left side with your feet stacked or with one foot in front of the other.Variations of this exercise include placing your bottom knee on the floor, lifting your top leg, and lowering your hips to the floor and back up again. These options may be more gentle on your low back or simply feel better for your body. Here are some exercises you can do in place of, or in addition to, the Russian twist. Do 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 16 repetitions.Īre there other exercises that work these same muscles? Use your abdominals to twist to the right, then back to center, and then to the left.Reach your arms straight out in front, interlacing your fingers or clasping your hands together.Elongate and straighten your spine at a 45-degree angle from the floor, creating a V shape with your torso and thighs.Root into your sit bones as you lift your feet from the floor, keeping your knees bent.Allow your gaze to follow the movement of your hands.Maintain a straight spine, and avoid slouching or rounding your spine.

For more stability, cross your lower legs.

Engage your abdominal and back muscles throughout the exercise.As you twist, keep your arms parallel to the floor or reach down to tap the floor beside you.Exhale with each twist, and inhale to return to the center. For beginners, press your feet into the floor or extend them straight out as you get a feel for the movement.Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you get started: The Russian twist is thought to be named after one of the exercises developed for Soviet soldiers during the Cold War, though its popularity today makes it a universal exercise.

Reverse crunch exercise