Measuring Your Strength - Abdominals

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

23 Jul 2006 10:00 AM

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

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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