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At 49, Preity Zinta is radiating health and positivity. After spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying good food, and making the most of her holiday break, she’s all set to embrace the new year with renewed energy. In a recent Instagram reel, Preity shared a video to inspire her fans.
“It doesn’t matter if you are on holiday or at work, you have to make yourself better, stronger, and healthier. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. So don’t give up, be consistent & push yourself. There is no better love than self-love. A very Happy & Healthy 2025 to all of you,” she captioned her reel in which she was seen doing decline crunches.
To understand the benefits of Preity’s exercise routine, we spoke to Dhruva Sivakumar, subject matter expert of format innovation at Cult. He explained how to ace a crunch and why it is particularly beneficial for women in their 40s.
According to him, the decline crunch is an advanced abdominal exercise performed on a decline bench, positioning the upper body at a lower level than the legs. This increased range of motion makes the exercise more challenging than a standard crunch.
“Women in their 40s, like Preity Zinta in the video, can significantly benefit from adding this exercise to their routine. It strengthens the upper, middle, and lower abdominal muscles, improves posture, and helps alleviate back pain,” he said.
As women age, maintaining a strong core becomes essential for overall health. A well-conditioned core not only enhances physical appearance but also aids in stabilising the spine, preventing injuries, and supporting daily functional movements.
According to Sivakumar, strengthening the core can alleviate age-related issues such as lower back stiffness, poor balance, and reduced flexibility. The decline crunch, with its enhanced difficulty, provides an effective way to build endurance in these muscles, which is crucial for long-term health and fitness.
Maintain proper form: Keep your back slightly rounded and avoid jerky movements to prevent strain on the spine.
Avoid neck strain: Keep your chin slightly tucked and use your core, not your neck, to lift your torso.
Start slow: Women new to decline crunches should begin with a less steep incline and increase intensity as core strength improves.
Consult a professional: If you have a history of back problems, consult a fitness trainer or physician before starting.