Fitness Questions AnsweredTwo common fitness questions answered by the fitness experts from Parade Magazine.
What are normal body fat percentages for men and women?
A good target for men is 14% to 16% body fat; for women, it’s slightly more, at 20% to 22%. A high percentage of body fat increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain forms of cancer.
Could you give me some pointers on abdominal exercises?
I tend to strain my neck.First, don’t clasp your hands behind your head or neck when doing crunches. Instead, cross your open hands over your chest or keep your fists lightly closed next to your ears (like earmuffs or headphones). Also, when you do crunches, your movements should be slow and controlled, not bouncy. Only your head and shoulders should lift off the floor slightly. Never rest your chin on your chest.
