Is this exercise routine smart?

[newbldr]

Hi

About a month ago I decided to start a simple morning exercise routine. I'm only interested in working on my abdomen and arms/back.

My routine is simple: every other day I do four repetitions of 60 crunches (total of 240) followed by 2 reps of 20 pushups.

Is this the right way to exercise? I know some say not to exercise the same muscles regularly while others say it's okay. Thoughts?

Also, what's better? Crunches or Situps. Most people say crunches are easier. But I find situps to be MUCH more difficult... leading me to think that they're better because they're more challenging.

Cheers!

 

[Doc Bunkum]

Hi

About a month ago I decided to start a simple morning exercise routine. I'm only interested in working on my abdomen and arms/back.

My routine is simple: every other day I do four repetitions of 60 crunches (total of 240) followed by 2 reps of 20 pushups.

Is this the right way to exercise?

Depends on what your goals are.

If all you're concerned about is fitness, then sure. I'm sure they do ten times that amount in the army every day to get in shape.

Also, what's better? Crunches or Situps. Most people say crunches are easier. But I find situps to be MUCH more difficult... leading me to think that they're better because they're more challenging.

Again, this is my viewpoint, and what I know from practical experience.

Consider that 2/3 of your body weight is located above your hips. If you weigh 200 lbs, then that's the equivalent of doing a situp with a 130 lb plate behind your head. Heavy weights build muscle. The result is situps thicken the waist. Again, that's how I've always looked at it, right or wrong.

Too, a lot of people develop back problems from doing situps. Again, the weight on the back if you're not careful.

Crunches keep your back flat on the floor and isolate the ab muscles, putting the resistance directly on the abs, not the back, making them safer and more effective, IMO.

BTW, if you're looking for some really effective ab exercises, and want to understand the muscles involved, take a look at this link over on bodybuilding.com - Inner, Outer And Whole Unit Ab Training .