Probaly a silly question..is this normal?

tashajayne2011
tashajayne2011 Posts: 288
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
I am 230lbs and yesterday I tried to do some exercise. I went out for a really fast walk, got back and decided I should maybe try something toning maybe..

I could in no way manage sit ups so instead I lay on the floor with my arms by my sides and raised my legs up, held and repeated that a few times. It was shamefully difficult to do but I just felt like I wanted to do "something"

Today I have woken up and my abdomen is soooo sore. Is this normal?!!? How do I know if what I am doing is right and not likely to break something lol

(I apologise for being a complete idiot about this stuff)

Replies

  • janeite1990
    janeite1990 Posts: 671 Member
    Not dunb. I say, if you feel it, it probably worked. You don't need to do full out situps to help your abs. You can crunch, which isn't as hard. You can also do tall that on an exercise ball, which gives you some support.
  • gomisskellygo
    gomisskellygo Posts: 635 Member
    Yes! It's a reverse crunch:)
  • prism6
    prism6 Posts: 484 Member
    Your body is just telling you how happy it is!!!!!! When I first started I was dying, over two months and my body is STILL telling me how happy it is:laugh:
  • Cindym82
    Cindym82 Posts: 1,245 Member
    Yes its normal, you were actually doing a reverse crunch. Which is when you lay on your back, arms at sides, bend your knees 90 degrees and slowly lift them and you butt off the ground, not very much. That works your lower abs and the lil pooch us women hate so much
  • lmalaschak
    lmalaschak Posts: 346 Member
    You are normal! :) Your muscles are responding to the new activity and you will always feel sore each time you do something that is difficult or a stretch for you. Great job! Try doing the same thing again tomorrow only doing a few more. You'll eventually be able to do a situp!
  • tashajayne2011
    tashajayne2011 Posts: 288
    OMG its a real exercise LOL

    Thanks you guys, you lot are so helpful. I will try and do some "reverse crunches" every day (especially if they work that blasted pouch)
  • jeephipwr
    jeephipwr Posts: 20
    when muscles get worked, they actually have small micro-fiber tears, which is where the pain comes from. But as the tears heal, they create more muscle fibers, which makes the muscle stronger and burn more calories. As the old saying, "no pain, no gain" but you want this to occur in small steps, not all at once, because that will cause an injury.

    If you did 10 leg lifts, then in 2 days do 11, so on. small steps lead to large improvements.
  • original_cake_face
    original_cake_face Posts: 131 Member
    What you were doing (laying flat on your back, raising your legs) is a pilates move. It was in a pilates video I had ages ago. It killed my stomach too! Another way to raise the dificulty is to raise your arms up parallel to your body, and lift your shoulders off the floor (kind of like you're trying to stare at your belly button). It works your abs/core like crazy.
  • itgeekwoman
    itgeekwoman Posts: 804 Member
    Keep going!!! It means it is all working. Enjoy the pain. When it stops hurting, change it up. You will crave that pain. It's all in the knowing you were moving towards your goal. I was right where you are now. Patience and determination. You can do this!!!
  • aquasw16
    aquasw16 Posts: 342 Member
    Totally normal. You are using muscles you havent used in a long time. Also, I exercise quite a bit but have a bit of a tummy and sit ups are hard for me because i have that in my way right now. Just keep chuggin, itll get easier and if you are doing abs right, youll be sore often...just think of it as good pain!
  • jenniebean1680
    jenniebean1680 Posts: 350 Member
    You're adorable! :)
    You just met one of my closest friends. His name is DOMS. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. It means you worked hard and your body knows it.

    Glad you met him. He is a healthy, normal, and often necessary part of training our bodies to be stronger and fitter.

    Nice work discovering the reverse crunch! Innovation is awesome! :)
  • rprussell2004
    rprussell2004 Posts: 870 Member
    That is 100% normal.

    I went through a near-bronchitis level of coughing not too long ago and my abs were KILLING me.

    Anything they're not used to makes them sad. Little muscley crybabies...

    You're on the right track! Keep it up.
  • rebeccap13
    rebeccap13 Posts: 754 Member
    Not dumb at all, and that's a real exercise. You can also do something similar but flutter kick your legs or do supermans which are laying on your stomach and holding your arms and legs out off the ground a few inches for a set amount of time and then a short interval of rest. We all have to start somewhere and those are great exercises to build up to sit ups!
  • delilah47
    delilah47 Posts: 1,658
    Totally normal. But, ease into any new exercise. It's no fun being so sore it's distracting. Also, a little stretching warm up should be done, but be careful with that too. If you stretch too long or over stretch some dormant muscles, it can be just as bad or worse!

    Just remember when you have pain, your body is trying to tell you something.. like don't attack me like that!!!
  • katyconser
    katyconser Posts: 92 Member
    totally normal!! you are using muscles that you haven't used in a while. legit hurting is no bueno, but soreness is a great thing... embrace it!!
  • stacygayle
    stacygayle Posts: 349 Member
    Your body is just telling you how happy it is!!!!!! When I first started I was dying, over two months and my body is STILL telling me how happy it is:laugh:

    I'm going to remember this everytime I'm sore. My legs are so sore from running a couple of days ago. I am going to remember that it is just my body being happy.....so I keep going :wink:
  • 1HappyRosie
    1HappyRosie Posts: 80 Member
    Keep going!!! I was at 231 when I started in January 2012 and in now in March I am 23lbs lighter! I started very slow. I could only walk at 2 to 2.5 on treadmill for 30 and I was dying. Now at 3.5 and jogging at 4 for short burst and I am so pumped! I have been doing Jullian Michaels 30 shred but have to adjust to just jogging in place for the jumping jacks and butt kicks but I am still moving!!! You can do it, believe in yourself and read the success stories on here they are inspirational ...You are not alone. Happy and a healthy wishes to you.
  • Dawn3218
    Dawn3218 Posts: 80
    That is 100% normal.

    I went through a near-bronchitis level of coughing not too long ago and my abs were KILLING me.

    Anything they're not used to makes them sad. Little muscley crybabies...

    You're on the right track! Keep it up.


    LOl I know how you feel - actually I recon a heaving coughing session must burn some calories too!!
  • HollywoodDJ
    HollywoodDJ Posts: 296
    Bless your heart! keep going strong girl! That's awesome....You're doin it!~
  • blynn2708
    blynn2708 Posts: 262 Member
    Your body is just telling you how happy it is!!!!!! When I first started I was dying, over two months and my body is STILL telling me how happy it is:laugh:


    I never thought of it that way...your body telling you it's happy:happy:
  • sxynanaplay
    sxynanaplay Posts: 83 Member
    KEEP GOING!! Its hurts so good doesn't it lol! I love when my body is sore because i know i worked it out. it really means your using muscles that you havent used in awhile and its really getting the workout it needs :D good job girl!
  • mrschappet
    mrschappet Posts: 488 Member
    thats your abs thanking you for working them out :-) those are reverse crunches :-) great work! another low impact ab workout is bicycle crunches it works the entire abdominal area :-)
  • Loseweight1980
    Loseweight1980 Posts: 94
    You are too cute!!! That soreness is awesome!! Keep up the good work and you'll be knocking out ab routines in no time!!
  • MamaKeeks
    MamaKeeks Posts: 234
    I am 230lbs and yesterday I tried to do some exercise. I went out for a really fast walk, got back and decided I should maybe try something toning maybe..

    I could in no way manage sit ups so instead I lay on the floor with my arms by my sides and raised my legs up, held and repeated that a few times. It was shamefully difficult to do but I just felt like I wanted to do "something"

    Today I have woken up and my abdomen is soooo sore. Is this normal?!!? How do I know if what I am doing is right and not likely to break something lol

    (I apologise for being a complete idiot about this stuff)

    You are hilarious and stop apologizing! No one learns without asking! And sister - reverse crunches are NOT easy!!! The fact that you feel them so much today means you did them well - good job!

    An excellent step in the right direction - a GREAT START!!! Keep going and you'' be knocking crunches out in no time!!! :flowerforyou:
  • antoniosmooth
    antoniosmooth Posts: 299 Member
    I am 230lbs and yesterday I tried to do some exercise. I went out for a really fast walk, got back and decided I should maybe try something toning maybe..

    I could in no way manage sit ups so instead I lay on the floor with my arms by my sides and raised my legs up, held and repeated that a few times. It was shamefully difficult to do but I just felt like I wanted to do "something"

    Today I have woken up and my abdomen is soooo sore. Is this normal?!!? How do I know if what I am doing is right and not likely to break something lol

    (I apologise for being a complete idiot about this stuff)

    :laugh: You are NOT an idiot and your question is very valid for beginning toning. Reverse crunches (this is what you were doing) or in the Army we called them HALF flutter kicks are HARD. The fact that you completed a few reps is commendable and you should be proud of yourself.

    The soreness of your abdomen is normal however I'm a bit surprised your hip flexor muscles aren't bothering you as well. Your form must have been perfect!! I don't think you broke something :happy: but if the discomfort continues for 5 or more days I'd see a doctor, however, my guess is the discomfort will disappear before the end of today or early tomorrow.

    Are you going to attempt more toning work today? It becomes challenging if you push yourself to new limits.
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