Why can't I do a sit up?

Question

Everytime I try and do a sit up two things happen: 1. I can't keep my back straight, so it is extremely hard for me to get my lower back off the ground; and 2. My legs start to came of the ground, so my weight is transferred back to my upper body and i start to fall back down.
I don't get what the problem is, because if someone holds my feet down then I can do around 50 sit ups a minute.

Answer 1

Do crunches instead.'

Answer 2

Hook your feet under a couch or something. I have that same problem. Or just do light crunches, where all you do is lift your upper back off the ground a few inches, then go back down.

Answer 3

Try crunches: lie on your back, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Put your hands behind your neck (not your head as this will put strain on the back of your neck), keep your elbows straight, and sit up as much as is comfortable. It won't be possible to sit up all the way, but you should feel your abdominal muscles getting a workout.

Answer 4

That's not that abnormal - lots of us need someone to hold our feet down in order to do sit-ups. Don't worry about it! Crunches are better for you anyway. Sit-ups are becoming outdated because they're difficult and harmful for people with even the slightest back problems.

Answer 5

sit-up are over rated just do crunches and try doing leg lifts keeping you hands underneath you where it feels comfortable

Answer 6

you dont have to do a full sit up to start with. read tips on some great workouts and toning that will help you on this site

Answer 7

Do planks instead. They look easy but that myth will be busted the next day when you see how bad your abs will hurt...

Answer 8

stick your feet under the sofa