Where Do Crunches Target?

Like situps, crunches help you build muscle. But unlike situps, they work only the abdominal muscles. This intense muscle isolation makes them a popular exercise for people trying to get six-pack abs. This also makes them ideal for strengthening your core, which includes your lower back muscles and obliques.

Do crunches target upper or lower abs?

When people think of lower ab exercises, they often think of crunches. These low-impact exercises target your upper abs and your lower abs. ... Nevertheless, they are a good place to start if you want to strengthen your abs.

What part of the abs do crunches target?

The crunch is one of the most popular abdominal exercises. When performed properly, it engages all the abdominal muscles but primarily it works the rectus abdominis muscle and the obliques. It allows both building six-pack abs, and tightening the belly.