Crunches

[Shirosaki]

Crunches

The ab exercise, I'm having trouble with it cause I had an accident last year and the muscles in my back are very tense and ache all the time. I also have trouble actually doing the exercise, so any help or tips would be great.

 

[Steve]

Re: Crunches

I'm sure you would already do this, but stretching and loosening up before getting into some demanding exercising with really help. However, considering you're constantly suffering from back pain then I would highly recommend consulting a doctor.

 

[Shirosaki]

Re: Crunches

I'm sure you would already do this, but stretching and loosening up before getting into some demanding exercising with really help. However, considering you're constantly suffering from back pain then I would highly recommend consulting a doctor.

Thanks PE, I've been to the doctors before and they just gave me pain killers. The pain doesn't really bother me, its the fact I can't actually do the exercise that's frustrating cause I can't "feel the burn" or whatever, and you're supposed to lift your shoulders with just your abs and I just don't know.. how to

 

[Evan]

Re: Crunches

get a massage. you might have lots of knots that tighten and cause pain when u do certain things or motions

 

[Man]

Re: Crunches

ignore the pain. eventually it starts to feel good

 

[Gikoku]

Re: Crunches

I'm sure you would already do this, but stretching and loosening up before getting into some demanding exercising with really help. However, considering you're constantly suffering from back pain then I would highly recommend consulting a doctor.

Absolutely, I've seen too many people neglect the importance of warming up before a workout or anything that requires athletic ability, if you don't you're more likely to hurt yourself as well as performing the task poorly.

Thanks PE, I've been to the doctors before and they just gave me pain killers. The pain doesn't really bother me, its the fact I can't actually do the exercise that's frustrating cause I can't "feel the burn" or whatever, and you're supposed to lift your shoulders with just your abs and I just don't know.. how to

You'll feel the burn once you've done it enough properly. You tighten your abdominal muscles and you lift with your shoulders not your abs (that's why it's called a crunch). Have your arms placed across your chest, and slowly lift with your shoulder blades (while tightening your abdominal muscles) a few inches off the ground, exhale as you're coming up keep your neck straight and your chin up. Hold for 3 deep breaths and then come back down and relax your abdominal muscles, then repeat this.

Here's a video:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/abdominal-crunch/MM00725

If you have trouble keeping your legs stable, you can also plant your feet underneath the couch (or have someone hold your feet for you) while you're doing this so you're not messing up.

 

[Shirosaki]

Re: Crunches

Absolutely, I've seen too many people neglect the importance of warming up before a workout or anything that requires athletic ability, if you don't you're more likely to hurt yourself as well as performing the task poorly.



You'll feel the burn once you've done it enough properly. You tighten your abdominal muscles and you lift with your shoulders not your abs (that's why it's called a crunch). Have your arms placed across your chest, and slowly lift with your shoulder blades (while tightening your abdominal muscles) a few inches off the ground, exhale as you're coming up keep your neck straight and your chin up. Hold for 3 deep breaths and then come back down and relax your abdominal muscles, then repeat this.

Here's a video:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/abdominal-crunch/MM00725

If you have trouble keeping your legs stable, you can also plant your feet underneath the couch (or have someone hold your feet for you) while you're doing this so you're not messing up.

Thanks, +Rep. I have one more naive question, would I be able to do crunches in bed? It happens to be the most convenient time for lying down My mattress is moderately springy if that makes a difference.

 

[Gikoku]

Re: Crunches

Thanks, +Rep. I have one more naive question, would I be able to do crunches in bed? It happens to be the most convenient time for lying down My mattress is moderately springy if that makes a difference.

It's best to do it on the ground or a soft mat on the ground because you want to keep your body straight when you're doing this, you don't want to have your body bent.

And if you're a pimp with a water bed, the answer is definitely no.

 

[HeroOfCrapsalot]

Re: Crunches

Do some toe touching, stretch thoroughly, then tough it out for the remaining pain. Also, don't just go down with your legs bent, prop up your feet to a level where it'll make your back completely straight.