Abdominal Muscles

Dexy_
Dexy_ Posts: 593 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Okay so when I do my workouts and get the the ab workouts I can't do them. I can't feel or work my ab muscles at all! When I do crunches ect it KILLS my neck no matter how hard I try to engage my core. I used to be able to do them properly and knew how it felt, but I just can't "find" the muscle!

I am 9 weeks post delivery with bub no.2 so I'm assuming this could have something to do with it? It's really annoying me.

Replies

  • Fayve
    Fayve Posts: 406 Member
    I can't really offer too much advice, but I know that it took me FOREVER before I felt like I was using my abs to lift myself instead of my back/neck. I used to hate doing them, because I knew that I was probably hurting myself more than anything. I can't say what changed exactly, but I think it was mid-way through doing Jillian's 30DS where I felt like I actually had the ab strength to lift myself in unassisted sit-ups, crunches, whatever the case was.

    I'd recommend non "crunching" motions to build up ab strength, like plank for instance. That might help build up strength without hurting anything else, and helping you "find" those muscles. It's very possible to gain strength in that area without doing exercises on the floor, such as standing exercises, or moves like plank.

    Good luck!
  • DeviantDarkwolf2
    DeviantDarkwolf2 Posts: 363 Member
    Okay so when I do my workouts and get the the ab workouts I can't do them. I can't feel or work my ab muscles at all! When I do crunches ect it KILLS my neck no matter how hard I try to engage my core. I used to be able to do them properly and knew how it felt, but I just can't "find" the muscle!

    I am 9 weeks post delivery with bub no.2 so I'm assuming this could have something to do with it? It's really annoying me.

    While pregnant your abdominal muscles expand and stretch to make room for bubs, takes a while to readjust. I would suggest taking the crunching easy until your body has recovered. There are a wide variety of ab exercises you can do that doesn't even involve the floor, as Fayve suggested Planks are brilliant for core work. Good luck :smile:
  • DakotaKeogh
    DakotaKeogh Posts: 693 Member
    I survived a broken neck years ago and also can't do crunches or most ab exercises that involve being on my back and raising my torso up. Here's some useful stuff that might work for you.

    http://www.fitwatch.com/weight-loss/top-3-lower-ab-exercises-560.html
    http://www.shapefit.com/6-pack-abs-workouts-exercises.html
    http://burnmybellyfat.com/lower-abs-exercises.html
  • Kymmu
    Kymmu Posts: 1,648 Member
    Try to lift up as if there is a chord from the middle of your chest lifting you up chest first not chin first.
    You may like to try crossing your arms over the back of your head also.
    Good luck
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