Do Sit-ups Suck?

[lillianreptilian]

Do they suck for everyone or just for me?

When I do situps my back hurts: both pain inside around my spine, and also sometimes bruising from the surface I'm on (especially if I do them on an incline).

I've tried them with a straighter back and a more rounded back (I don't think you're supposed to arch your back on them, though). Both full sit-ups and crunches. If I try to weight them it seems to make it worse.

I know I should do more ab stuff, since I can tell from my posture when my back is getting too strong relative to my abs. Planks are a lot easier on me, and I do them pretty regularly. I should do roll-outs, but my gym floor is SO McNasty. Perhaps I should get the ab roller from Jared so I can do them at home.

Anyone else have this trouble or advice for making situps not hurt or some other favorite ab exercises?

[Jared Enderton]

Yes! They do suck.

try:

hanging leg raises
v ups
iron cross
bicycle
swiss ball stuff
planks (side/bring knees up, etc to make it more challenging)
decline sit ups
decline sit ups w/ punches (Very tiring)
medicine ball throws
rope crunches
ab wheel (the best )

[Jared Enderton]

Just wanted to bump this to see everyone else's input as well?

[lillianreptilian]

Ooh I forgot to say thank you for the suggestions. Sadly, I am still neglecting my abs. Now that I have a job I think I will order the ab wheel. One fun thing I've 'discovered' is doing handstands. More of an overall strength and balance thing, but I think my abs get some work with those.

*sigh* better go do some planks

[brendanmoehn]

I'm horrible at doing abs as well. I kind of give myself the excuse that I work them squatting, snatching, C&J, etc. Really should do more of them though and I know it

[Jared Enderton]

haha I am with you Brendan.

One of the greatest pieces of advice I have heard was to do them before you do any other lifts... because at the end it is so easy to skip. Just force yourself to do them before you can start your "actual" workout haha.

[phil]

If you have a glute/ham raise get into it facing the ceiling. This is wonderful for abs. Then if you have bands and want a little more difficult lift, put one end of the band around the base of the GHR and hold the other at your chest.