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We all know that a sloppy exercise produces sloppy results. For instance, a half-hearted jumping jack does little for the cardio-vascular system and nothing for the length and strength of one's body. And an imperfectly performed exercise repeated many times can over-develop the wrong area without properly developing the target area.

There is a perfect method for performing the Marvelous Marvin Hagler Crunches, which I learned (the hard way) from an extremely disciplined instructor. Please, note that you will want to be well-rested and your thirst thoroughly quenched before you begin. Also, you will want a soft cushion beneath you. In order to prevent pain, begin slowly, performing no more than 25 crunches on the first day and building up the number of crunches daily until you reach 100, then, hold steady at 100 per day.

1. Lie down on your back, body fully extended, arms stretched out above your head. Relax and breathe; you are in for quite a workout! You will need a few moments in this position in order to acclimate your body to the coming stress and in order to psyche yourself up. Have no fear of it, though...the benefits are great!

2. Pull your stomach in, as tightly as possible, and hold it in, breathing normally, and clasp your hands behind your head.

3. In one fell swoop, breathing normally the while, lift, both, your upper and lower torso until your elbows touch your knees, above your stomach, pointing your toes and keeping your knees together the while. Hold for a slow count of 5. Lower your torso just to the point at which your head is a few inches above the ground and your legs are fully extended and your feet a few inches above the ground and hold for a slow count of 5. Repeat the process 5 to 25 times.

4. Stretch your arms, hands, and legs out until they are fully-extended and resting on the mat. Relax, thus, completely until you can handle 5 more crunches. Resume your crunches and continue until you have performed at least 10 to 25.

5. Repeat the process until you have performed 100 crunches...or until you cannot take it anymore!

6. Once you have completed 100 such pristine crunches, you will want to stretch out and rest for 15 minutes or longer before you move.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You do not want to overdo the crunches so that you do not over-develop one area of your body while pulling your body out of it's natural balance. Thirty days of such crunches is, generally, sufficient for all except the most staunch body builders.

If your excercising form and resolve are so disciplined, your abs will become photographic, your posture will improve, your look will feel and appear longer and leaner, and your general arm, torso, and leg strength will improve. The results will last for years. Returning to the routine for one month each year will KEEP you looking great...for life!

Learn more about this author, Jane Smith.
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