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Lower Back hurts while doing Sit ups

kray

New Member
I am currently getting in shape for my MEPS physical, and I am having an issue doing sit ups. Long before my abs get tired, my lower back starts to ache really bad. Are there any stretches I can do to help this? I am pretty sure I am going them with the correct form. Anyone else had this problem?

Thanks,
Kameron
 

Picaroon

Helos
pilot
Great news, dude. When I did my MEPS physical I didn't do a single situp.

But you should probably start duck walking around in your underwear if you really want to prepare for the MEPS physical.
 

kray

New Member
Picaroon, sorry, my recruiter told me that MEPS was doing my PRT as well. I get them confused sometimes.
 

Cron

Yarr
I used to have the same problem kray. You basically have weak lower back muscles and have to strengthen them. Do what's called the "superman" exercise about fives times a week and you'll be good to go in no time.

superman2s.jpg


http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.php?Name=Superman
 

exhelodrvr

Well-Known Member
pilot
I am currently getting in shape for my MEPS physical, and I am having an issue doing sit ups. Long before my abs get tired, my lower back starts to ache really bad. Are there any stretches I can do to help this? I am pretty sure I am going them with the correct form. Anyone else had this problem?

Thanks,
Kameron

I found that doing repetitions of going halfway up and holding the position for several seconds was just as good for the exercise, and much less likely to result in a strain.
 

feddoc

Really old guy
Contributor
I think Cron is right...although I would do back extensions instead of supermans. Back extensions will give you muscle tone over a greater range of motion.
 

Junkball

"I believe in ammunition"
pilot
I believe that running strengthens the back. A xc-type (more so than I, anyway) mentioned that if you don't do situps while on a hard running diet, your lower back would get disproportionately stronger than your abdominal muscles.

Sooo... run. Run some more, do pushups and situps and get ready for being totally unprepared for OCS, no matter what you do ;)
 

C420sailor

Former Rhino Bro
pilot
I think Cron is right...although I would do back extensions instead of supermans. Back extensions will give you muscle tone over a greater range of motion.

+1

Having a strong back allows you to maintain a good arch when you do your situps, which puts your shoulder blades lower to the ground and your elbows closer to your thighs, shortening the required range of motion.
 

BDCPCowboy

New Member
^-- I will agree with Junk and Cron that you might have a muscle imbalance in your core (back/abs). Make sure when you are doing your curl-ups you are controlled through the full range of motion. Remember you only have to let the your lower back touch and then begin your transition to upward again. Below I linked some different exercises for a total core workout. Personally while training I like the ab ball (physio ball) for sit-ups and back extensions it seems to give you more range of motion while protecting your back the whole time. You might want to consider this as an alternative exercise. Also watch how you sleep. I know it sounds weird but try to lay flat and if you put a pillow under your knees it helps flatten out your lower back. All my best and good luck.

"Listen to your body"
"Health is the first wealth"

http://z.hubpages.com/u/203427_f520.jpg
http://www.sissel-online.com/images/exercises/back_extension_ball1.jpg
http://www.sissel-online.com/images/exercises/back_extension_ball2.jpg
http://z.about.com/d/weighttraining/1/0/n/0/-/-/captains_chair2.jpg
http://www.sutree.com/upload/thumbnails/37979.gif
http://ultimatefitness.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/hanging_leg_raises.JPG
http://www.trainwithmeonline.com/excimgs/twmoi249_2.jpg
http://www.trainwithmeonline.com/excimgs/twmoi251_1.jpg
http://www.myhomepersonaltrainer.net/eft/images/exercises/Abdominals/Kneeling_Cable_Crunch1.jpg
http://www.myhomepersonaltrainer.net/eft/images/exercises/Abdominals/Kneeling_Cable_Crunch2.jpg
http://images.google.com/imgres?img...&prev=/images?q=Oblique+side+bends&hl=en&sa=G

Sorry about all the 1s and 0s on this post...
I think thats it let me know how it works out for you.
 

alaurin

All day, every day!
Lots of solid stuff there. Sorry to rehash an old thread or beat a dead horse but here's a nugget.

If you don't want to think too much or want something with a video, you can try Foundation Training (foundationtraining.com). They address a lot of form problems that can cause injury (arching of back, knee collapsing in, body weight too far forward, etc). The movements translate easily to weightlifting movements, but be aware that there is not much in the way of pure abdominal strengthening movement in the videos.
 
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