Crunches for Core Strength

Q: I was told by my trainer that crunches are not as good for building core strength as pilates since they do not elongate the muscle. Is this true and if so should I avoid them altogether?

It is difficult to know what is correct fitness information with so many “experts” weighing in. I will try to shed some light on the situation. The core is made up of many layers of muscle, including the sides (obliques) low back and muscles deep beneath, supporting the spine.

Crunches work to tone up the top layer of muscles in the stomach area. People tend to work this section to produce the six pack look. This is fine as long as you incorporate other exercises to balance out the core and strengthen all the areas around the middle.

Pilates is a great form of exercise to accomplish this. Because of the various moves and areas targeted, your core will get a full workout. It is important to work the muscles along the spine as well as the sides to give the body the most balanced strength, stabilization and tone.

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