Getting great abs without backpain ?

[DonDonTheTrueDonDon]

Hey I don't have any exercise equipment or anything, I just do things that you can naturaly do such as situps and crunches. Anyway, I get back pains when doing either of these. Am I doing them wrong? Also, which way will produce the most results?

[DropToZero]

Just like any other part of your body, you need to change things up. Your body will get 'used' to certain exercises, and then they will not be as effective. If you're getting back pains, I don't know much about that....but I could tell you what I do.

I work out abs by using some sort of hanging, or like a cross bar that I can position myself between(and I wear shoes during this(heavy ones)). Then my legs are free hanging, and my arms are holding me up, so I use my abs to pull my legs up to my chest...do you understand that? Kinda like doing a sit up, but gravity is also working against you. Also instead of your chest moving to your legs, your legs come to your chest. That works the most effectively for me, and I do it every other day or so. I can do about 50 of them before I can barely pull my legs up. The problem that I still have is my lower(well lowest 2)abs dont show as well as the 4 above, and I hate that. I need help with that too tho, so how do you get lower abs worked out well?

[Stinkweed]

Well, I'm not sure how you work out the lower abs only... I mean, I bet there are some exercises out there that could help you... I've only heard of martial arts kicks requiring strong lower abs... Sorry I couldn't help. Best wishes.

[Vanilla]

I do pilates and tae kwondo to work out my stomach. and using the ball is my great for my back. Also in tae kwondo with all the kicking and punching you work out your abs a lot but without the strain on your back when you're laying down on the floor/mat/ etc etc./

However most people I know who have back problems prefer to use the pilates ball, those big excercise balls. They say they never have backproblems when they do abs with it. (These people are like 50 so they're true pioneers on backpain )....anywasy I hope we helped you.

[discordant_verse]

When doing situps, crunch one side of your body - when coming up, move so that your body turns with your right elbow touching your left knee. Flex then alternate with the other side.

Alternatively, turn so that you are facing one side perpendicular to the floor and situp. Do a few reps then flip sides.

DV

[greenie35]

Yeah, I don't think you should be getting back pains. Older folks tend to get back pains but it's usually brought on from some other activity and sit ups only aggravate it.

When you do crunches your back should be flat on the floor and your hands behind your head. Your hands should cradle your head. Your arms should not come up up around your head as if your usuing your arms to hoist your body up You should lift your chest straight up toward the celing not towards your knees. You don 't want to come completely up off of your back---only up enough to wear you feel the strain in your abs.

[drydupfob]

i used to get it alot, when i was younger and fatter. depending on your weight you could get back pain from doing crunches.

the true way to get great abs is not doing crunches but rather droping your body fat percentage. you do that by doing carido and dieting. pm me if you want more info.

best of luck to you

[DonDonTheTrueDonDon]

The thing is, I am 160lbs and 5'11". I am in no way fat. Its just I want sculpted abs. I do eat a lot of Big Macs though, infact I just had 2 less than 10 min ago. My metabolism and lots of activity keeps me slender. Just my abs need help.

[drydupfob]

so cut out the fatty foods and you'll body will be really sculpted.

[mattj]

hey your right about the dieting and cardio, i tried it a while ago and it worked a charm! o yeah and i would reccomend investing in gymn membership, access to a wide range of cardio machines helps