Scissor Kick (ab) Question..

sundinsgurl

I can't do a scissorkick (for abs) for the life of me...

here is a link to how to do it.. try it out and see if you have this problem too....

http://www.holosfitness.com/exercises/view/38263


when my head is lying on the ground and soon as I lift my legs off the ground it puts a lot of pressure in my neck/head area. I am not holding my breath when I do it . Is it simply because I barely have any lower ab muscles?

Is it ok to lift my head off the ground using my neck to do them.. it stops the pressure a lil

Anyone else have this problem or some helpful advice??

sofaking6

Try focusing on keeping your lower back pressed down to the floor and don't let it arch up. If it starts arching, put your legs up higher in the air.. So, instead of the instructions on your link, you would start with your legs straight up, then lower them until you feel your low back pick up..that lowest point where your back is still flat is where you should stay for the exercise. As your abs gets stronger, you'll be able to do it with your legs closer to the ground. You might have to start with your legs almost straight up, that's FINE. Better to start slow than hurt your spine!

Also, try warming up and stretching your spine before you do these, just some nice slow forward bends and standing extensions, and moving your head side to side and front to back until you feel looser.

Edited to add: see how these ladies only lower the legs periodically..it's very challenging! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC7Lon6zHSY

sundinsgurl

Awesome help!! Thank you soo much

I will definetely try it with my legs straight up and try to get lower with time