I can't do situps properly?

Question

Hi, I can't do sit ups unless I hook my feet under something. I'm guessing this means I'm using the wrong muscles, how can I make sure I use my abdominal muscles?

Thanks for your help,
Nathan

Well the reason I think I'm using the wrong muscles is because my lower back hurts very badly after about 15 sit ups.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I know this is going to sound crazy, but when I do crunches my back hurts too!

All I do is cross my arms on my chest, hook my feet under something, put my legs at 90 degrees, and lift my shoulders a couple inches off the floor. But it seems like my back still hurts after a couple?

Answer 1

if you put your feet under something you're using your legs muscles to help bring you up so its not as good of an abdominal workout...Remember it's quality, not quantity, so it's okay if you only do 5, as long as you're doing them properly. find something that really works your abs. you can search the internet for different types of workouts.
here's a site:

Answer 2

No one can do situps properly - they don't work the abdominals very well. Do crunchs instead (lift your upper body just up to under your shoulder blades, while engaging the abdominals, then lower back down...repeat.) Lifting past your shoulder blades doesn't work your abdominals, but your hip flexors, and in an unstable dangerous way

Answer 3

Crunched are pretty good also and less stress on the back.

If you have any monkey bars or whatever theyre called hang from them and bring your legs and parallel them to the ground.

Also another one..lay on your back and make your legs perpindicualr to the ground and try and bring them up by using your upper ab muscles..its hard to explain but you have to like bring your hips up and astuff.

Answer 4

the sit-up involves many muscle groups not just the abdominals. the inner thighs, mid-section and low back are all involved in that movement. if you have low back pain then I would switch to crunches until you strengthen up those other areas

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with putting your feet under something...

i put my feet under the couch..

Answer 6

Try a fitness ball. Just make sure you are on a mat or have your shoes on or you'll have trouble stabilizing yourself.

Answer 7

i have the same problem!! just have someone sit on ur feet while u do the situps