pain while doing ab exercises

B

bethanyaugust

New member
Hello,
I have not worked out in a very long time and just started doing some ab exercises, specifically by following the 8 minute abs workout video. While I did the different exercises I experienced a lot of pain around my lower back and sometimes my neck. Could be the fact that I was doing the movements wrong? They were all simple enough to follow so I don't think I did them incorrectly so I just like to know if there could be something else wrong. Perhaps I have really really back muscles? Are some good back muscle strengthening exercises that anyone can share? Or is there another problem? The pain is pretty bad, so bad that it almost makes me want to give up so hopefully you all can offer some advice. Thanks! =)
 
i would suggest getting a fitness ball or an ab roller of some sort if you are having back problems. As for the neck, you should pick a spot on the ceiling and follow it with your whole head. Try doing a light job and stretch before hand to warm-up, as well.
 
anything involving using muscles is a gradual process, you can decide to be a body builder one day and lift 100kg the next. A fitness ball is a brilliant idea to make it a bit easier while you build your muscles to a point that they are strong enough.
 
Not only that the ball is back friendly. Plus it focuses you to use other muscles to stablize yourself while working on your abs.
 
Were you lifting up to high while doing them? Because sometimes that can lead to back pain.

Did you make sure you kept your chin off your chest? I know that can hurt your neck too.

A back strengthening exercise that you can do with an exercise ball is: balance stomach first on the ball with your body in a diagonal position (use the bottom of something to hook your feet onto so you don't slip/fall), then put your arms across your chest and lower your body down & then back up again, I used to do about 12 x 3 sets of these.

If you don't have an exercise ball you could do it off the edge of your bed with someone holding your legs so you don't fall off, I'm sure there are other ways to adapt this this though. :)

Oh and BTW, I used to do 8 minute abs, and it does take a while, my back used to be a bit sore afterwards, they guy on the tape does also say go at your own pace!!!
 
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