Are You Doing Crunches Correctly?

After doing certain exercises, such as crunches, many people complain about neck pain or discomfort. Oftentimes, this results from the way that they do these crunches. Most people do crunches by placing their hands over their ears or behind their heads and then bringing their heads towards their knees. However, in the process, they accidentally end up pulling by their neck as opposed to only using their abdominal muscles. This ends up causing the individual great pain and discomfort, and it can often discourage that person from exercising further.

         

Fortunately, this pain and discomfort in the neck during crunches can be avoided easily. Instead of pulling the neck forward with the hands behind the head, place your hands elsewhere. For example, cross them over your chest or place them gently over the ears. By doing so, you will prevent yourself from using your neck to pull yourself forward. Instead, you will focus on using your abdominal muscles and will get a better exercise overall. 

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

“I have a Hard Time Doing an Abdominal Workout because of my Neck Pain”

A lot of us do crunches or sit-ups to work our stomach, but the truth is there are a number of ways to get a good neck workout without doing typical crunches.

One is actually standing and doing knee raises. Another great one, which will especially hit the lower abs, is crunching the lower body without moving the upper back. This is the area most of us try to work on anyway. Some call this the muffin top area. It sounds a bit nasty, but it brings home the point of your belly hanging over the pants. Nobody wants this, and with the right exercises and advice, even neck pain sufferers can forget about avoiding their workout because of neck pain or stiffness.

Here’s how to do the last exercise I just talked a bit about. Lie flat on the floor with your arms at your side. Raise your legs up bringing your rear slightly off the floor, hold for a second or two, then relax and repeat. Notice how you can keep your upper back and neck immobile.



Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.
Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!