What can I replace sit ups with?

Get Your Dream Abs by Adding These Sit-Up Alternatives to Your Routine

• Plank.
• Plank Jacks.
• Mountain Climbers.
• Reverse Crunch.
• V Sit-Up.
• Windshield Wipers.
• Hollow Hold.
• Scissor Kicks.

What other exercises besides sit ups can you do to strengthen your core?

12 Great Ab Exercises That Aren’t Sit-Ups

• Crunches. The cousin of full sit-ups, crunches involve lying on your back, feet either flat on the floor or elevated in the air with knees bent.
• V-Holds. A key part of core strength is balance.
• Bicycle Crunches.
• Inverted Hinges.
• Planks.
• Side Plank.
• Crunch Pulses.
• Twists.

Why does my lower back hurt doing sit-ups?

Experiencing low-back pain during sit-ups or crunches is a common issue. Since the hip flexors attach to the front of the lumbar spine, if they become overworked or overtightened they can create an anterior (forward) pull on the lumbar vertebrae, which might be the reason for the discomfort.

Are sit-ups bad for back?

According to Harvard Health Publications, sit-ups can be very hard on the spine and potentially damaging. With a sit-up, and to lesser extent crunches, the position and movement of the body works against the natural curvature of the spine, and therefore can lead to low back discomfort, pain, and even injury.

Why you should never do sit-ups?

According to Harvard Health Publications, sit-ups can be very hard on the spine and potentially damaging. If you have ever felt lower back pain and strain during a sit-up, you know this already. A sit-up pushes the curved spine against the floor, and as mentioned earlier, employs the hip flexor muscles.

Should you do sit-ups if you have a bad back?

If you suffer from lower back pain or have a herniated disc or any lower back pathology steer clear from sit-ups as it can aggravate your back pain. Incorporate McGill’s abdominal exercises into your routine, if you have doubt consult an Exercise Physiologist or a qualified exercise professional.

How can I lose belly fat with a bad back?

Tips to Lose Weight and Treat Back Pain

1. Get moving. A gym is not the only place to work out.
2. Use smaller plates. Studies show eating on smaller plates leads to weight loss.
3. Maintain proper posture.
4. Try water therapy.
5. Eat healthier.
6. Get a good night’s sleep.
7. Get a dog.

Are sit-ups or planks better for your back?

When the hip flexors are too strong or too tight, they tug on the lower spine, which can create lower back discomfort. Second, plank exercises recruit a better balance of muscles on the front, sides, and back of the body during exercise than do sit-ups, which target just a few muscles.

Why are sit ups Bad for your back?

Sit-Ups Can Lead to Injury When Performed Incorrectly Part of the reason why sit-ups have a bad reputation is because of the emphasis on spinal flexion, or bending or hunching forward. Excessive spinal flexion is known to put stress on the spine and cause back injuries, Kalechofksy says.

What’s the best way to do sit-ups?

If you’re going to do sit-ups, it’s important that your form is correct, says Pamela Kalechofsky, certified stretch therapist at Stretch Relief. That means following her helpful pointers: Lie on your back and lock your feet under a bench or other low space, or work with a partner to hold your feet.

Can you do abdominal workouts with bad back pain?

You can still get a great abdominal workout in spite of back issues. The best position for ab work is one where your back is fully supported against a stable surface. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart, and walk your feet slightly in front of your knees.