Sore neck when doing floor ab exercises.

chanellenoble

I know that you aren't supposed to use your neck when doing ab exercises on the floor (e.g. crunches) but I get really bad pain in my neck. I can't work out what I'm doing wrong, even in front of the mirror. Suggestions?

FieryVixsin

I pick a spot on the ceiling and stare at it the whole time I do crunches, also I stick my fingers behind my ears so I'm not pulling on my neck. It has made a world of difference in my neck. Not sure why it works but it does for me.

gramacanada

You're holding (twisting) something wrong. Or pulling on your neck. hands behind your head?
Doing them too fast? Eyes looking at your feet?
I stare straight up at the ceiling. That keeps my head still.
Is the rest of your body in proper alignment?
Other than that get someone who KNOWS what they're looking at to watch you do it.
Good Luck

chanellenoble

Yes I'm thinking now I might see a trainer just for one session so they can correct my positioning. I usually have to support my head with my hands, but some exercises mean that I have to use my hands and place them under my back for instance and that is when I really feel the pain. I'll try looking up at the ceiling next time and really focusing on one spot.

contingencyplan

Best suggestion I can give you is to stop doing floor ab exercises completely. They serve no functional benefit as they don't work the abs nearly as well as core-intensive full body movements. Crunches basically are a waste of time. Compound exercises, pushups, functional training is what does it best.

sprinkels29

I started lifting 3x a week, all body workout! I was in a motorcycle accident roughly 2 years ago i still have a tear in my neck, I started lifting and I dont have a problem! Check out Stronglifts.com

Dave198lbs

your neck should be relaxed when working your abs

if your neck is tensed, your abs are not doing all the work

focus on the movement staying with the abs and relax the neck...it should be free enough to turn your head easily while doing ab work

auzziecawth66

Try holding your tongue to the roof of your mouth I find that helps me with some things like that lol. Also try doing them on a physio ball maybe instead of the floor. Or try doing planks instead of crunches. Much more effective for working your whole core.

etoiles_argentees

your neck should be relaxed when working your abs

if your neck is tensed, your abs are not doing all the work

focus on the movement staying with the abs and relax the neck...it should be free enough to turn your head easily while doing ab work

this.