difference between crunchs & situps

allcdnboy1

allcdnboy1

New member
Hi,
I have been asked this question and there may be a few others with the same question ... "what is the difference between a crunch and a situp?"
Now, I may not define the difference very clearly ... and maybe others have a different perception. Generally, I consider the difference to be the ROM (Range-Of-Motion). I will use the standard situp/crunch on the floor, as an example:
- A situp is the full range from your back on the floor (not shoulders) to almost bringing your body 90 degrees to the floor
- a crunch is a limited ROM where your back may not even touch the floor and you go to just above 45 degrees to the floor.

A crunch is usually considered harder because it's harder to hold your body in that mid position and it forces you to keep your stomach somewhat clenched (or crunched) the whole time.
However, this is not to say not to do situps, as a combination of different positions (included, weights, w/ exercise ball) and types of stomach exercises is optimal.

... hope this helps.
 
I thought a crunch was actually where your back wasn't lifting off the floor. That it was just your shoulders up and tightening your abs to contraction. Again its still the difference of range of motion...
 
The standard sit-up (particularly when performed with the feet tucked under a bench) engages the hip flexors in the last part of the movement that involves flexion of the lumbar spine and a decrease in the angle at the hip (note: hip flexors are engaged even with the feet not tucked). Contrarily, the crunch maintains the lumbar spine in contact with the ground, and involves only lifting of the head, shoulders and upper back (thoracic segment), therefore not engaging the hip flexors. It is generally accepted that a sit-up is unsafe due to the load placed on the lumbar spine.

:)
 
Last edited:
Mogwai said:
The standard sit-up (particularly when performed with the feet tucked under a bench) engages the hip flexors in the last part of the movement that involves flexion of the lumbar spine and a decrease in the angle at the hip (note: hip flexors are engaged even with the feet not tucked). Contrarily, the crunch maintains the lumbar spine in contact with the ground, and involves only lifting of the head, shoulders and upper back (thoracic segment), therefore not engaging the hip flexors. It is generally accepted that a sit-up is unsafe due to the load placed on the lumbar spine.

:)
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Exactly!
 
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