Situps hurt my butt

msarro

For those who couldn't figure it out from the title, I'm having an issue. The biggest factor slowing me down with situps is that my butt grinds into the floor, which is extremely painful. I've tried putting a pillow underneath, and I've tried on carpeting, and neither seems to help.

Any suggestions?

yankeefamily05

have you tried an exercise mat or a yoga mat???

chrissyh

I have osteoarthritis in my tail bone and they kill me too! If you do crunches and sit ups on a ball - it's WAY better!

stormieweather

Can you do crunches instead? Rest your bent legs on the couch or an exercise ball, and crunch up towards your knees? It keeps your butt off the floor. I have had my tailbone broken and old-school situps are just out of the question, so I know how ya feel.

MissesOfficer

try reverse crunches, or crunches on a bench

kblu0816

I have osteoarthritis in my tail bone and they kill me too! If you do crunches and sit ups on a ball - it's WAY better!

I also use a ball. My tail bone is very sensitive and practially sticks out when I lay on the floor. a couple years ago I did so many floor exercises that I actually bruised it and couldn't sit comfortably for a while. I'd invest in a yoga ball for sure...i think it's better on your neck and back as well.

leavinglasvegas

I agree with the Ball suggestions! You get a much better ab workout than just plain situps. I have also read the you use more ab muscles when you use the ball. Not sure of the science behind that, but it certainly feels true!

FUNinTHEsun

i use an exercise ball as well, i would def recommend it!!!

moujie

I have an ab lounger. I bought it from a friend who fell for the infomercial. I don't know what he paid but I gave him $25 for it and it's great for me because I have a herniated disk. I have a ball too and that works pretty well. Also, I've tried excersise videos on demand and done one called crunchless abs which gives you a bunch of different excersises that shouldn't hurt your butt!

bianca_c

I have this problem too, what my trainer has me doing instead is planks. I've gotten much better results and not back pain.

Wecandothis

Me too!! I haven't been able to do them because of it, BUT I do have an exercise ball that I use as an office chair, i could use that.

I just need to figure out how to do it on the ball! Thanks for the suggestions!

MTGirl

M - you can get an exercise ball at WalMart for @$10 - works great. So long as your cat doesn't pop it in the middle of the night! :grumble: :laugh:

Poison5119

Ball and plank are both great suggestions. At the gym, we have an elevated 'Captains Chair' that is used to do reverse crunches - great for switching up ab-work routines!

I also use a 20 lb weight and do standing side-crunches with them - this works the side obliques. You hold the weight in one hand on one side, and bend sideways toward the knee, about 8-12 inches, and then straighten back up - repeat for the opposite side - depending on the amt of weight you use, you will feel it the next day.