As it turns out, sit ups use a lot more muscles in your hips than in your abs. The best way to increase your core strength Beth is to simply exercise your abs and lower back. So, crunches are good - just go as far up as you comfortably can (while still getting a workout  ).
Also try bridges (lying on your back with your knees up, and then lift your butt up and hold if for a bit) and planks (lie on your front supported by your forearms, and then lift up on your toes - your core muscles, abs and back, will tighten to work to keep your body straight and rigid; you can also do this one up on your hands instead of on your forearms). Or, if this is too difficult, support your body on your forearms or hands and your knees, instead of going all the way up on your toes.
Anything that requires balance also really helps work the core so if you have access at all to a stability ball that would be ideal. Do your crunches (and millions of other possible exercises) on there and you're core muscles will get an even better workout - your core is what really is working to keep your body from falling over, which is harder on the ball than on the floor. Alternatively, try walking a long distance on a skinny curb - your core muscles are immediately activated to help you from falling off.
HTH 
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Re: How to increase abdominal muscle strength?
