Tired of that spare tire around your waist? Are even your "love handles" too big to hold on to? Trim down by eating well, exercising regularly and working your abdominal muscles - starting with a crunch.

Step One
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor in front of you. Lie on an exercise mat rather than a hard floor to prevent back strain.

Step Two

Position your feet as wide as your hips.

Step Three
Place your hands behind your head so that your thumbs are tucked behind your ears.

Step Four

Hold your elbows slightly out to the sides and keep your chin pointing upward.

Step Five
Curl up and forward so that your head, neck and shoulder blades lift off the floor. Make sure you're not pulling your head forward with your hands. If your chin is making contact with your chest, the abdominal muscles aren't being used in the exercise.

Step Six

Pause for a moment. Lift your head up enough so that your middle and lower back stay on the floor. Squeeze your abdominals as you pause.

Step Seven
Slowly lower your head, neck and shoulder blades to starting position.

Step Eight
Keep your knees bent, your feet in the same position and your back straight throughout the entire exercise.