When I do crunches/sit-ups, I feel like only the top of my abdomen is getting a workout.?
When I do crunches, I don’t feel the “burn” in my lower abdomen, like the area around your belly button. That’s where I need it! Here is a picture of where I feel “the burn”:
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1527/torsowebzk7.jpg
And here is a picture of where I want to get a workout:
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/3830/torsoweb2sn1.jpg
I do just regular crunches and I squeeze as hard as I can when I do them.
Thanks!
Hi There
This is common when doing crunches. keep in mind the abs are a very very small group of muscles so a simple crunch wont work the whole section out.
Try changing up : for e.g.
When doin a crunch lift your legs straight out about 4inches of the ground this will target the lower area more. As well as eg lifts! you will def. feel the lower burn.
i have plenty of ab routines in my blog http://myfitmate.blogspot.com/ feel free to have a read for more info
good luck
In general, lifting your upper body (crunches, situps, etc.) will work the upper part of your abs. Ab exercises that require lifting your legs (either bent or straight) will work the lower abs. One thing you can do is to lay flat with your hands under your hips/butt and lift your legs (straight) 6 inches off the ground and hold them there for about 30 seconds then rest and repeat.
If you have access to a gym, see if they have a roman chair or a pullup bar and do knee lifts. That is where you hold yourself up on your forearms and leave your legs hanging, then pull them up towards your chest. Those are really good for the lower abs and they take all the pressure off of your lower back (as opposed to laying on the floor).