Proper Ab Exercising

[E36Guy]

Does anyone have a diagram, pics, video, very good description, etc.. of how to do completely proper crunches or situps.. or any ab exercises?

Very often when I get heavily into working my abs.. I end up with real sore back issues.. Obviously, I must be doing something wrong.

Anyone help? Thanks.

Didnt know if this fit into body building.. and didnt think anything to do with weight lifting either. So I put it in here.

[Sportsmedjosh]

crunches are going to be what you are looking at for abs. Sit-ups are more for the hip flexors. I'll look to see if I can find a nice diagram, however lay flat on your back knees up arms at side neck straight and just come up 1-2 inches and keeping your arms straight off the group just move them slightly forward.

[E36Guy]

Wait... Im not sure I understand the description...

[Mike]

I am also interested in knowing the best ab exercises. I have been doing "leg lifts" (on the dip bar), front/side bridges, and the oblique ab exercise where you bend to your side while grabbing a weight.

Also what is the difference between a proper crunch/sit up?

[fodive]

Your lower back may be hurting because your core muscles in general are not strong enough. Try adding some lower back exercises into your routine and see if that helps things at all.

[Dalton]

Originally Posted by E36Guy

Does anyone have a diagram, pics, video, very good description, etc.. of how to do completely proper crunches or situps.. or any ab exercises?

Very often when I get heavily into working my abs.. I end up with real sore back issues.. Obviously, I must be doing something wrong.

Anyone help? Thanks.

Didnt know if this fit into body building.. and didnt think anything to do with weight lifting either. So I put it in here.

Are you working out your back/lower back much? Do you deadlift at all?

A lot of people aren't aware, but you need some balance. If you work out your back, then work your abs out, and vice-versa. You dont want one stronger than the other because it can lead to issues. Perhaps your back just isnt strong enough yet, or perhaps you are simply doing them on the floor without proper cushioning ;)

ExRx.net Exercise & Muscle Directory

Check that link out, its got just about every muscle group, excersizes for the muscle group along with videos on how to properly perform the excercise.

-dalt

[E36Guy]

Oh wow.. Never even heard of that type of thing (the non-back exercising inbalance). Thanks for that info. Im sure that's probably my main issue because, yes, I dont do much of anything for back..

[teamplayer]

i can recommend targeting all parts of your abs...don't forget the lower region and the sides

[E36Guy]

Good point.