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Reverse Crunch Question

penrbrown
penrbrown Posts: 2,685 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys! I'm having a bit of a ... problem (for lack of a better word) with reverse crunches.

While doing them I experience pain in my lower back. I don't have the same issue with bicycle crunches or regular crunches. I'm 90% sure my form is correct but maybe I'm missing something?

Any idea how to fix this and/or what would cause this?

Also, anybody else have trouble keeping their neck relaxed during crunches? Because my neck always, always tenses up and I just don't know how to keep things relaxed!

Replies

  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    No help on the reason why it's hurting your lower back, but my neck ALWAYS hurts when doing crunches. I've start putting my hands behind my neck and letting my neck relax onto my hands, and using my abs to pull myself up. I think it comes down to form as you're using your neck and back to pull your body up. Try focusing on your abs and strictly using them.
  • penrbrown
    penrbrown Posts: 2,685 Member
    No help on the reason why it's hurting your lower back, but my neck ALWAYS hurts when doing crunches. I've start putting my hands behind my neck and letting my neck relax onto my hands, and using my abs to pull myself up. I think it comes down to form as you're using your neck and back to pull your body up. Try focusing on your abs and strictly using them.

    Pretty sure I don't even have abs yet... ;) But I'll try this! Thanks Em.
  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    No help on the reason why it's hurting your lower back, but my neck ALWAYS hurts when doing crunches. I've start putting my hands behind my neck and letting my neck relax onto my hands, and using my abs to pull myself up. I think it comes down to form as you're using your neck and back to pull your body up. Try focusing on your abs and strictly using them.

    Pretty sure I don't even have abs yet... ;) But I'll try this! Thanks Em.

    Everyone has abs. They're just not visible on everyone. But really try focusing on them and only using them. :)
  • penrbrown
    penrbrown Posts: 2,685 Member


    Everyone has abs. They're just not visible on everyone. But really try focusing on them and only using them. :)

    Hee. I was teasing. :) Fantastic new profile pic btw. You're an inspiration!

    Oh, and I think the key here is that I need to slow down enough TO focus on them. I've been following Jillian on the DVD but she goes so fast that I lose focus. SLOW DOWN P. Slow down... :)
  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member


    Everyone has abs. They're just not visible on everyone. But really try focusing on them and only using them. :)

    Hee. I was teasing. :) Fantastic new profile pic btw. You're an inspiration!

    Oh, and I think the key here is that I need to slow down enough TO focus on them. I've been following Jillian on the DVD but she goes so fast that I lose focus. SLOW DOWN P. Slow down... :)

    Damn Jillian and her ridiculous abs.
  • Kenhabes
    Kenhabes Posts: 187 Member
    I have chronic neck issues, and the only way I can do crunches without it getting aggravated is slow and really focusing on my ab muscles doing the work. Let your lower back relax.

    Not sure of the technique you are using, but make sure to suck your navel into your spine during the contraction.
  • Izanami66
    Izanami66 Posts: 181 Member
    I agree with all of the above! And also, when doing the reverse crunches, when you release back down, don't let your lower back arch off the floor. Keep 'em slow and controlled, concentrating on keeping that back in contact with the floor. Yeah, if you can't go as fast as the wonderful/evil Jillian, don't! You'll work up to it! :flowerforyou:
  • aaronf289
    aaronf289 Posts: 50 Member
    Not sure I'm thinking of the correct exercise, but i make sure to lift my legs straight up towards the sky, and not angled back towards my head. Which is more of a verticle leg pulse than a reverse crunch. Try that variation and see if it doesn't hurt. Good luck....
  • irisheyes42us
    irisheyes42us Posts: 144
    LIsten to your body, above all else! If it hurts don't do that one~:flowerforyou:
  • gregpack
    gregpack Posts: 426 Member
    reverse crunches hurt my back also, so I gave them up. Try planks....
This discussion has been closed.

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