The Perfect Situp

[damon_dixon]

Hi, i was just looking for some tips or own knowledge, recently when i have been doing sit ups, i have been varying holding hands behind ears and across the chest, also doing side crunches and using a medicine ball. But the day after my lower back seems quite sore and stiff. Ive heard that normal situps are bad for your back, but in the army you have to do them so i need to practice doing them. I was just looking for any tips, i dunno if its just me, or is there anyway i can strengthen my lower back by different exercises, or should i just shut up and get on with it. All advice much apprieciated.

[chris5818]

Did you use the search button first mate?? if not you might get some shit replies soon mate, then again try reading my topic on GRAVITY BOOTS to help build my sit ups and stomach muscles, it's a classic!!

[GemmaLS]

If your lower back's sore try doing some trunk raises or supermans. When you're doing resistance exercises you should always work the opposite muscle too to keep them balanced (e.g. bench press and bent over row). If you don't work your lower back when doing sit-ups, you'll have a stong stomach and weak back, your back will hurt and you could, as far as I'm aware, develop posture problems.

http://www.juniortennis.com/Science/Jef ... aining.htm

[chris5818]

When doing sit-ups, never push through back pain. Stop immediately at even the slightest twinge in the lower back. I have sufferd from back pain since the age of 16 due to a rugby incident (minor disk de-generation) and am now finally in the all clear. The main Problem like Gemma said is posture, and size of course.

When doing situps always follow these simple tips

Lying on back with knees bent

Feet flat on the floor close to the buttocks

No jerking or twisting movements

To exhale on the way upward

Commence curl with the shoulders then the upper back and finally the lower back

Bring torso up and beyond the 60 degrees position

Hold momentarily

Lower the torso to the ground

Inhale while returning to the start position

Relax but keep abdominals tight and shoulders curled in (main problem with people as this is when the back is most vunerable)

Head and shoulders should not touch the ground once the set has started

Repeat sit up.

Never carry on though when you have pain in the back and do the exercises that gemma stated it does help A LOT!!, feel free to wear a cape to make things more fun as it is pretty cool.

[Artist]

SITUPS!

Once your in training your going to do thousands of the bloody things!
Why Oh why do people get so worked up about silly things like this!?!? Worry about doing a Night Navex on Dartmoor when it's heaving down with snow and stuff. Worry about getting a really good shine on your parade boots. Worry about cocking up your Weapon Drills (is my weapon still cocked? You can be charged for not carrying out the correct drills after 12 weeks). Mess up and your going to be able to do Situps and Pressups in your sleep!

Whats going to really hurt you is Lying on your back complete with 35 pounds of Fighting order, weapon, boots etc, etc. The demonic instructor is then going to shout:

Legs Raise! (six inches above the ground)
Apart!
Together!
Apart!
Together!
(if your lucky) Down!
Repeat!

It will make situps and their ilk seem like chicken feed!!

And before you all sound off at me.........Been there, done it, got the T shirt and later was an instructor doing it to Nods and a few All Arms Commando Courses when they annoyed me or other members of the training team.

[robbiedont]

Hmmm, I'm struggling with a sore bottom of back when doing sit ups as well, it seems to be when I go back down though almost like my back is hitting the floor in an odd way.

Any suggestions?

[Wholley]

Hmmm, I'm struggling with a sore bottom
Any suggestions?

Ask Artist,he knows all there is to know about sore bottoms

I'll get me coat then

[robbiedont]

boom tish!