Embarrassing problem with sit-ups!

RedVelvetCurls

Hey guys, I have a slight problem that's rather embarrassing to me. I was wondering if anyone could make any suggestions.

I love sit-ups. I can do as much as 100 in one sitting, and I feel so refreshed afterwards. They're really something I look forward to as I work my heartbeat up during cardio. But recently, I've been getting really sore around my tailbone/start of my butt. :sick:

My skin is so sore I had to do bicycle crunches this morning instead! And I don't know why this is happening! I've recently upped my ab workouts in order to tone up, because I'm past my target now. I'm just tackling the loose skin.

Has this happened to anyone else? How did you overcome it? Are there perhaps other exercises I can do that are just as effective?

summer8it

I've had this happen. In fact, I had a terrible time once when I stupidly wore lace panties to pilates class and essentially sandpapered off the skin over my tailbone. OWWWW.

Ever since then, I've learned to think carefully when I get dressed to work out, for EVERY item of clothing! Look for soft, smooth knits in cotton (cotton-bamboo blends are awesome), and make sure there aren't any seams in places that could cause chafing.

KenosFeoh

I'd look for another set of ab exercises.

RedVelvetCurls

I've had this happen. In fact, I had a terrible time once when I stupidly wore lace panties to pilates class and essentially sandpapered off the skin over my tailbone.

Oh my gosh, most of my panties have lace on them. Looks like I need to go shopping for something better! :grumble: But I've worn them all the time, this issue is only happening now. Probably because I'm doing more sit-ups, so there's more chaffing. It all makes sense. :embarassed:

waldo56

More effective:

Isometric holds:

Lower back should touch the ground, flex the butt to stay straight


Can also be done with knees tucked or 1-legged, hanging from a pullup bar, or using hand holds

Rep based work:

This is the bottom position, top position is basically a shoulderstand in the body. The bottom position can be held isometrically (very hard). Can be done tucked or 1 legged also to make easier.


Rep based variation of an L-sit (needs to be done hanging). Can also do with knees tucked or 1 legged to make easier.

farsteve

Try doing your sit-ups on an exercise ball. You can even get a little more range of motion if you go past horizontal at the bottom of the sit-up.

If no exercise ball is available then there are other exercises that strengthen your core. Planks and side planks are very good and you can even do these with some movement. Plank - balance on left hand and right leg, bring right arm and left left together under you, touch elbow to knee. Side plank on left side - bring right arm and torso from above you to "under" you, sort of reaching under your arm pit. Repeat on other side.

Or, rest and let the sore areas heal and go back to sit-ups on a padded surface.

Mokey41

Sit ups are horrible for your spine and your neck plus they aren't really effective. I'd suggest finding something else to work your abs but you're probably feeling your tailbone more now because you've lost a layer of fat padding on your butt.

RedVelvetCurls

A few years ago, I fell down the stairs carrying my cat in it's carrier (didn't want to drop the carrier and hurt the cat!), I hit every step and broke my tail bone, I couldn't sit properly for three weeks. Even now I cannot sit straight for too long and doing full sit ups is totally out of the question. I now do crunches, sometimes using an exercise ball helps.

Oh my gosh, I hope you're managing all right! That sounds so painful, I truly hope that pain goes away for you.

And thanks for the advice guys! I think I'll try on a padded surface once I'm healed up. While I'm getting back to normal, I'm going to try a couple of the exercises I see here, mainly the isometric holds. They look tough!

zumbaforever

If you know someone who has the P90X workout try borrowing the abs one. 12 minutes of just what you need. You will feel it. And it is great. There is also one called Power half hour I believe. I used to see it on Ebay, has an ab exercise by the same guy Tony Horton, only a little shorter and less intense. Great place to start also.

scottb81

Fold up a towel to provide some cushion and sit on that when doing the situps until the sore spot goes away. That works for me.

RedVelvetCurls

If you know someone who has the P90X workout try borrowing the abs one. 12 minutes of just what you need. You will feel it. And it is great. There is also one called Power half hour I believe. I used to see it on Ebay, has an ab exercise by the same guy Tony Horton, only a little shorter and less intense. Great place to start also.

Hmm, that sounds interesting, I'll have a browse of eBay later and see what I can see. In the mean time, I'm starting Ripped in 30 so with any luck, my tummy will be more toned afterwards!

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

I love sit ups too, and they are functional exercises IMO. Last year I did A LOT to prepare for surgery, and I did end up with essentially a rug burn on my butt. I don't know about embarrassing. It wasn't comfortable especially in the shower. I found that I had to vary things. Like do 25 sit ups and then 25 bicycle crunches and then another ab thing. I still got my 300 in there, but changing the angles took pressure off my poor skin.

I like someone's suggestion of doing them on the ball. You will strengthen your legs that way too.

jimmie65

Sit-ups are not the most efficient or effective way to strengthen your abs. Try different variations of crunches and planks if you're not ready for the exercises Waldo posted (most of us aren't).
RandomAbs.com has a different abs workout every day; try it and see how that works.