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situp help, please!

thedoors28731 Posts: 2 Joined: 2003/04/05	2003/04/05, 07:44 AM I need some help with my situps. When I do them my lower back gets sore and when I get finished it feels like i've been execiseing with my back. And my abs dont even feel like I was useing them. I've always had this problem but since I'm going in the army I've been trying to get fit. Will someone please help me, I have less then 3 weeks till basic training. Thanks
gwindalyn Posts: 434 Joined: 2003/01/15	2003/04/05, 08:17 AM Sounds like you are using your back instead of your abs. Or your back isnt strong enough to support your abs. I find that when I use a fitness ball to do situps it really targets my abs and prevents me from using my back. -------------- ~Jennifer http://www.gwindalyn.com
Persephone2999 Posts: 14 Joined: 2003/03/25	2003/04/05, 08:18 AM I would avoid situps if I were you do crunches instead. Crunches are just as effective as situps, but they don't hurt your back. Take it from me, I was born with a congenital defect; an extra vertebrae in my spine & I have had & always will have lower back problems. Start with crunches & if you want to do situps later, wait until your back & abdominal muscles are stronger. But if you have chronic lower back problems, it's best to steer clear of situps. Hope this helps :)
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/04/05, 09:54 AM persephone2999 gave you some good advice. Crunches are much better for you,and much more apt to feel them in your abs rather than your back. Have your legs bent, knees up and feet flat on the floor. Do not pull with your hands behind your head, let your abs do the lifting. You need only move about 30 degrees up and back down. Keep the tension on the abs, this will also keep it off the back. Good luck to you. -------------- The one goal you will NEVER achieve is the one you never attempt.
gwindalyn Posts: 434 Joined: 2003/01/15	2003/04/05, 01:41 PM Do they do sit ups in basic training still? Or have they gone to crunches? Just curious :) Have a friend getting ready to go to basic training. I'd agree with crunches instead of sit ups. That's why I like the fitness ball. It forces me to do crunches and not use my arms or back. Plus, I have to balance somewhat, so it makes me control the movements. -------------- ~Jennifer http://www.gwindalyn.com
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/04/05, 03:32 PM The ball is excellent for core abdominal strength! You will not go wrong using it. -------------- The one goal you will NEVER achieve is the one you never attempt.
roni0906 Posts: 1,008 Joined: 2002/01/24	2003/04/05, 04:32 PM Do crunches instead of situps. Situps are bad for the back and crunches work better. -------------- Lisa Just laugh about it....
thedoors28731 Posts: 2 Joined: 2003/04/05	2003/04/05, 09:30 PM Thanks for all the replies. But yes I dont think my drill seregent would let me switch to crunches, lol.But luckly I'll only have to do them every morning 6 days a week. Does anyone know of any lower back execises that would help my problem. thanks