i'm a beginner and i tried to do crunches but i find that my neck hurts! what am i doing right and what is the right way?
2007-04-12 03:48:36 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
i put my hand behind my hears and tilt my chin down
2007-04-12 04:12:42 · update #1
Don't pull on your head with your hands. When I do my crunches, I touch the side of my head with my fingertips, but it's really just for guidance. When you crunch, don't bend toward your knees- keep your head back (or straight) and try pushing your shoulders toward the ceiling. This will keep your body straight, but still put pressure on those abs where you need it.
2007-04-12 03:52:36 · answer #1 · answered by wizbangs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The proper way to do crunches is to lie on the floor, with knees bent. Clasp your hands behind your neck/head and have elbows open to the sides. DO NOT pull elbows together. You need to try to pull your upper body UP, towards the ceiling, not towards yoru knees.
If you are doing them correctly then you shouldn't feel the horrible strain in your neck, but a very intense burning in your abs.
If the standard crunch is still to difficult for you to do then you can try different versions. They also have modified exercises for those with neck/back issues.
Good luck!
2007-04-12 03:53:57 · answer #2 · answered by Its Just Me! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it helps strengthen ur neck in addition to your abs. You may be doing it right, but u could b starting out w./ too many. When I go back to fencing parctice in November, I m usu. dying by the end cuz of all the crunches we do, but by the end of the season, It doesn't hurt anymore. All it takes is time to get used to it. Soon it won't hurt anymore.
You could try crossing your arms over your chest instead of putting them behind ur neck. U could just b holding it in a weird position!
Good Luck! :-)
2007-04-12 03:57:01 · answer #3 · answered by Javgirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are probably pointing your chin in towards your chest and straining your neck. This is improper form. If you are placing hands behind your head, this will only encourage you to strain your neck more. Instead, remember to keep your eyes on the ceiling, this will force you to use the right muscles and save you from neck strain.
2007-04-12 03:53:59 · answer #4 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you hold the back of your neck? because if your a biginner and you get tired you could be pulling on your neck...try to put your hands in a fist and either put them criscross acrost you chest or put them undre your chin.....because i did 1000 crunches in one day thats right 1000 and i was pulling on my neck and i got so stiff i could not look right or left up or down for a week... i was scard....i thought i really did something to my self...crunches are ok try doing pilaties!!! i love it....i have a dvd i do 10 min abs once sometimes twice a day....also go to www.fitnessmagazine.com it has workouts with pics on how to do them its a free website.. its awesome...
2007-04-12 03:59:28 · answer #5 · answered by Hawi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you may be pulling on your neck or tensing it up.When you do crunches,put your hands behind your head,keep your neck relaxed,Imagine you have an apple under your chin,when your coming up ,you shouldnt be able to see your elbows(in other words,keep them back.)Proper form is more important than the numbers.Take your time and be careful,ok?
2007-04-12 03:58:32 · answer #6 · answered by iron maiden77 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cross your hands and place them on your chest.
you are pulling on your neck to assist you abdominal muscles to perform the movement. your core is weak, you need to not only continue to strengthen the abdominals but you need to work on the inner/outer thigh, hamstrings and the lower back.
2007-04-12 04:16:35 · answer #7 · answered by lv_consultant 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess it's suppose to be working if you can feel the burn..so I'm not sure there is anything you can do...
2007-04-12 03:50:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋