Tough Classic Abs vs Alternative Abs?

[bfit]

I used to do almost exclusively "tough" classic ab workouts with lots of crunches and related exercises (like KCM abs or Cathe abs). I felt like my abs and core were really in good shape. Then I had an injury and an illness, and when I started up with abs again I've found that even though I can do those tough workouts again I also like the ab workouts that just make you feel good in the back and core (like yoga abs or some of the easier Pilates abs). I like some of the standing abs workouts now too (like Ellen Barrett). Which is "better"? Should I try to get back to all classic abs, or mix in some of the alternatives?

[buffmama]

Alternative 'ab' workouts will often target your core which encompasses a lot more than just your abs. 'Tough' workouts (intermediate to advanced) can also be of either variety. I stay away from workouts that are primarily crunches.

[donnamp]

I think the "alternatives" are actually better than the crunches - the alternatives
- particularly standing work - mimics real life movements and the way we use our abs/core in day-to-day activities and in other exercise modalities.

I rarely will do crunches these days - even in Pilates, I will often focus on the stabilization part of the exercise (which tends to look to an outsider like you are doing nothing) rather than the crunch

A crunch is not really functional - when in life do you do that movement?

Whereas throughout the day you are using your abs/core to balance, rotate, flex and extend.

Donna

[sbh]

Originally Posted by donnamp

I think the "alternatives" are actually better than the crunches - the alternatives
- particularly standing work - mimics real life movements and the way we use our abs/core in day-to-day activities and in other exercise modalities.

I rarely will do crunches these days - even in Pilates, I will often focus on the stabilization part of the exercise (which tends to look to an outsider like you are doing nothing) rather than the crunch

A crunch is not really functional - when in life do you do that movement?

Whereas throughout the day you are using your abs/core to balance, rotate, flex and extend.

Donna

This!

[Jane P.]

Crunches are functional up to a point, such as when you sit up in bed (or anywhere else) from a lying position, but you don't have to do a million of 'em.
Just do enough so you can bend your middle when you need to.

[Leonana]

Originally Posted by donnamp

I think the "alternatives" are actually better than the crunches - the alternatives
- particularly standing work - mimics real life movements and the way we use our abs/core in day-to-day activities and in other exercise modalities.

I rarely will do crunches these days - even in Pilates, I will often focus on the stabilization part of the exercise (which tends to look to an outsider like you are doing nothing) rather than the crunch

A crunch is not really functional - when in life do you do that movement?

Whereas throughout the day you are using your abs/core to balance, rotate, flex and extend.

Donna

Yes!

Crunches always tweak my lower back. I like heavy carries for abs.