Question about working out

[LadyAlaska]

I'm new here, and I started a diet/workout program about a month and a half ago. I'm 21, 5' 6'' and my weight started at 240, and I'm down to 225 or so. I'am only able to work out at home, and I have an adjustable stride elliptical machine for cardio, and some barbell weights. As I gained weight I developed some joint problems in my hips and knees, and I have problems in my wrist and ankles from prior injuries. Even after loosing the 15 lbs I still find it hard to do sit ups, push ups and other easy at home exersizes.

So, on to the question. If I stop doing push-ups, situps etc for now, and just focus on my cardio and lifting the barbells until I loose more weight and those exersizes become easier, is that a bad idea? Right now I feel like I'm still to big to do sit ups and leg lifts properly, and it seems that doing the exercize badly is worse then not doing it at all.

What does everyone think?

LadyAlaska

 

[jmnewsome]

You're right (I believe) that doing the exercises wrong is seriously bad for you. However, I don't think you should stop doing them all together. I think maybe you should modify them and that's just my opinion. I do wall push-ups and I do crunches, not situps. Also, for the mid-section you can try knee raises out to the side or right in front of you..the trick is to keep you abdomen tight and make sure your knee comes above your belly button. Also, try situps on the ball..they work as well.
I don't think you should stop all together, b/c you want to keep the muscle you already have, ya know?
Like I said..these are just my opinions and I wish you lots of luck!!!