How do I uninvite my neck from the party?

MissTomGettingThin

Hi
Situps/Crunches.
I'm rubbish at them.
I can't seem to figure out how to do them without my neck getting involved!

I'm doing the shred and Jillian says how the neck isn't invited. :O)

Mine still comes, every time!

I've tried crossing my arms over my chest but it's not my arms pulling my head that are the problem, it's the movement of the neck itself.
I try to focus on the ceiling and push my chin upwards if it tries to go towards my abs but no use.
I'm rubbish..

Any advice on how to crunch please, would be very much appreciated.

Thanks all.

Amanda

caraiselite

i suck at them as well.
i hold my arms parallel to the floor.
my abs just aren't strong enough.

AzhureSnow

the best thing I can suggest is the same thing Jillian herself would suggest.... fix your eyes on a point on the ceiling. Put a push-pin in the ceiling if you need to. Focus on that. Do not take your eyes off it. Keep your face towards that. Make sure your FACE is looking up, not just your eyes. Focus on engaging your core muscles before every rep. By doing these things, and completing each rep a little slower, you'll improve your form and reduce injury. And of course, keep your hands on your chest.

MissTomGettingThin

the best thing I can suggest is the same thing Jillian herself would suggest.... fix your eyes on a point on the ceiling. Put a push-pin in the ceiling if you need to. Focus on that. Do not take your eyes off it. Keep your face towards that. Make sure your FACE is looking up, not just your eyes. Focus on engaging your core muscles before every rep. By doing these things, and completing each rep a little slower, you'll improve your form and reduce injury. And of course, keep your hands on your chest.

THANK YOU!

I do try to look straight up but can feel the pull.
Will try harder tonight!!
Thanks both for replying.

beautifullyblessed16

What helps me with my neck is to focus on my abs and trying to crunch my abs into the ground. It is easy for me to try to lead the move using my neck when actually it is the abs doing all the work.

bbateman123

I place my hands on the opposite shoulders, look at the ceiling and crunch with the abs, also i use a stability ball for the crunches and this helps much more

Strongisthenewskny

Standing abdominal exercises work too, and are better for you! Here's a link! I hope this helps you out a little!!


http://www.ehow.com/how_4450629_perform-standing-ab-exercises.html

jaz050465

I was taught to imagine uou are holding an orange under your chin.

MissTomGettingThin

Thanks everyone.
Have just done the shred again and am still feeling I'm pulling my neck. Front of my throat sticks out. the muslces?
So will consider what's been said, look at ehow and try again tomorrow!!

Thanks everyone.

Amanda

MustBeTheRows

Don't waste time on sit ups or crunches. Do planks.

MissTomGettingThin

Don't waste time on sit ups or crunches. Do planks.

Hi
Had read this on here somewhere else.
As its part of the workout though I sort of have been doing them to ensure I do the programme.

I suppose I could substitute.

Thanks

kirsty736

I also had this problem, my neck ached after doing floor work! But I just started pilates and the combination of using your breath to pull yourself up as well as having your arms out straight as if you are trying to reach as high as you can go has helped me loads!