How do you get around this? By first performing an exercise that isolates and tires pectorals before immediately moving on to main exercise. For maximum benefits there should be no rest between pre-exhaust exercise and main compound exercise.

Beginners don't need to worry about pre-exhaust routines but when they advance to intermediate level they can be introduced once a week for each body part.

Examples of pre-exhaust routines commonly performed by bodybuilders are listed below:

Biceps - barbell curls and close-grip, palms-up pulldowns.

Triceps - pressdowns and dips.

Pectorals - flyes and bench presses.

Lats - dumbbell pullovers and barbell rows.

Deltoids - dumbbell laterals and presses behind neck.

Traps - shrugs and upright rows.

Thighs - leg extensions and squats.

In this article we'll take a close look at crunch.

MUSCLES TARGETED: rectus abdominis

STARTING POSITION

Assume a supine position on floor. Place calves and ankles on a bench with hips and knees flexed to roughly 90 degrees. Fold arms across chest.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Flex neck to move chin to chest. Curl torso toward thighs until ONLY upper back is off mat.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Allow torso to uncurl, then neck to extend back to starting position. Repeat or finish set.