Can't Do a Sit Up

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PPug05
PPug05 Posts: 15 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
As you can tell by the title, I can't do a sit up. I can, if I use my arms to aid in pulling myself up once I reach my "stuck" point. If I continue this, will it help me eventually be able to do a sit up without using my arms? I am currently working on my plank time. What other exercises can I do to strengthen my back, abdominals, and hip flexors?

Replies

  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,136 Member
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    Situps are really not a particularly helpful exercise. I would suggest Planks,

    Bird Dogs
    https://youtu.be/wiFNA3sqjCA

    Stability Ball Rollouts
    https://youtu.be/qgSXIDIRDFE

    Mountain Climbers
    https://youtu.be/fBZHkGT0W5Y
  • Habiteer
    Habiteer Posts: 190 Member
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    I've read that sit ups are pretty bad for your back anyway. If you absolutely need to, then crunches are slightly better. Planks (which you are already doing) are pretty good for your core though.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
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    do a reverse sit up. Start in the situp "up" position and lower yourself to the mat. Do this a few times-it's the same muscles just gravity is assisting you.
    and by the way-I trust you are doing bent leg situps and straight legs can cause lower back strain
  • cathipa
    cathipa Posts: 2,991 Member
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    Agree with crunch or reverse sit up. What is your fitness goal in trying to do this exercise? Never do anything that hurts. It isn't worth it.
  • MsRuffBuffNStuff
    MsRuffBuffNStuff Posts: 363 Member
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    If you have access to a pool, lay on your back (a pool noodle or something to hold your shoulders above water works great) and raise your knees to your chest. I have a hernia, so I do my ab exercises in water.
  • Kullerva
    Kullerva Posts: 1,114 Member
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    Mountain climbers *shudders*. They kick my butt. In a good way.
  • slickmickey
    slickmickey Posts: 113 Member
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    http://img.mindbodygreen.com/image/upload/c_scale,w_414,q_80,f_auto,fl_lossy/gal/1kristin-mcgee-boat.jpg
    i dont know what that is called, but i do them in the bathtub. the water helps a little so i feel like i can hold it longer without too much stress on my back since i dont have access to a pool

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