Are pushups or situps bad for the lower back?

Question

I am a 62-year-old, somewhat overweight, male. I regularly do aerobic exercises, and use a weight machine. I also do situps and pushups. Recently I have begun to experience lower back pain and weakness. Is it possible that either or both the pushups or situps are causing, or aggravating , this problem? Thanks!

Answer 1

It's possible. Both CAN be bad for the back if they're not done correctly. You really need to focus on form when you're doing both exercises.

With sit ups, really only use your abdominals to pull up. And, there's no need to go all the way up. Just lie flat on your back, bend your knees and pull your feet in closer to your butt, rest your head in your finger tips (do not grab your neck), and look up at the ceiling. Don't put your chin to your chest. Lift your shoulders up just a few inches, and really focus on your abs. Go slow, take two counts to go up and two counts to go down. If done properly, your back will feel better.

For push ups, if you don't have a strong enough core (back and abdominal muscles) then you could injure your back while doing them. Try starting out slow, and as the weeks go by, do more and more advanced push ups. You can do push ups against a wall and get the same effect as doing them on the floor. Stand a few feet away from a wall, put your hands on the wall, and do a push up.

Whether on the floor or wall (or sturdy table or bench), make sure your body is straight and flat. You don't want your butt up in the air. If you can, use a mirror or friend to make sure you have correct form.

Answer 2

Your form might be wrong if you feel pain.

Pushups work the pectorals and chest muscles. Situps work the abs, which are supposed to strengthen your back and give you better posture.

Ask someone who knows to watch your form as your perform the exercises, and then have them correct you (if needed).

Also, rest in between workouts. People who claim they do 100 crunches each morning have already built the muscle to do so. If you're somewhat overweight, it will take you some time to get there.

Answer 3

Numb=pressure on nerves, which nobody recommends for fitness. Keep overdoing and you WILL get permanent damage--anything done in excess is not good for you. The arm numbness is nerve pressure from overstraining your joints--and shoulder surgery won't cure it completely. In general, situps aren't good for you anyway--too much strain on the lower back, and you don't want to ***** about your sciatica from middle age on. Crunches will give you what you need, and using an exercise ball will give you a Marine-tough workout.

Answer 4

These exercises usually shouldn't hurt you to a dramatic level, but as you get older, your body is more prone to injuries and so forth, which is most likely why you are felling the pains and weaknesses. I would suggest getting workout machines that specialize on the upper body, to minimize the amount of stress your body receives, while working out with even greater efficiency. Don't over work yourself and end up with life time injuries, however, I would contact a physician as well.

Answer 5

Situps, if not done correctly, can cause lower back problems. I read a medical book on back exercises that really help strengthen the lower back and make it stronger. Basically slow bows can do wonders.

Answer 6

Yes they are very bad for your back not so much push up as sit ups. When you do sit ups you sacrum (butt bone and pelvis) is being supported by the hard floor try an exercise ball they work much better

Answer 7

IF YOU ARE 62 YOU NEED TO FIND EXERCISES THAT ARE MORE SUPPORTED AND ISOLATING THAN SIT-UPS AND PUSH-UPS