When I was doing sit ups- I felt a STRONG strain tingling sensation on

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   David 470posted 14 years ago

   I am not sure if its okay to do sit-ups after weightlifting or not, but something strange happened. I am no expert when it comes to sit ups...I know more about weight lifting in general cause I want to gain muscle bulk.
   
   I figured I would do 20 reps of sit ups first set. However, on my second set when i was on 2nd rep I felt STRONG SHARP tingling numb sensation and SCARED the hell out of me. I know you feel a burn when doing these, but never like this.
   
   What does this mean? I quit and took a shower afterwards? I was to scared to continue as it was a strong sensation on contraction.
   
   How long should a rest in between sets and how many reps? Should I have support underneath my foot?
   
   
   Any information is most appreciated ...

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      Chris Fryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Sit-ups are actually a poor exercise due to the strain they put on the lumbar section of your spine, which is designed for stability and not mobility, for example world renowned strength and condition Mike Boyle does not include them as a part of any conditiong program that he creates. Furthermore sit ups also create high hip flexor activation, which when doing sit ups may result in anterior rotation of the pelvis which compresses the L4 and L5 vertebrae, increasing the likelihood of injury (Escamilla et al, 2006). Instead try other core exercises in order to promote hypertrophic gains.
      
      Escmilla, R. F., Babb, E., DeWitt, R., Jew, P., Kelleher, P., Burnham, T., Busch, J., D'Anna, K., Mowbray, R. and Imamura, R. T. (2006). Electromyographic Analysis of Traditional and Nontraditional Abdominal Exercises: Implications for Rehabilitation and Training. Journal of Physical Therapy, 86(5): 656-671

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   Hestia DeVotoposted 14 years ago

   I think you need to go talk to a trainer or doctor.

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   tomashuhart75posted 14 years ago

   I agree with Chris Fry.  generally sit ups are considered a poor exercise that could potentially harm your back.  As a trainer, I myself prefer doing planks.  Believe it or not, the abdomnals, obliques, erector muscles, etc around your waist are meant to stabilize the body, not so much for flexion.

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   lrohnerposted 14 years ago

   David - Please see a doctor. That tingling sensation is not a good thing. That's usually (but not always) a sign that there's something up with one of your discs. It could just be inflamed, but a doctor should definitely take a look.

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   healthystreamposted 14 years ago

   It was really painful in the first place to do sit-ups. When I do that for the first time, something really hurts when I always bend down. It's on my abdomen. I think you need to research on what interval of days should you do sit-ups. Don't do it everyday if you are doing sit-ups for the first time. Keep it slow and steady.

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      gardennymphposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      This response is for healthystream.If you have a spot on your abdomen that always hurts or stays tender and that you feel a sharp stitch or stab of pain occasionally or in certain positions, and it is always, as you say, or ongoing, then it may be a hernia.  Please get it checked out by a doctor!
      Forego some of the heavy weight exercises that compress the abdomen, such as leg machines/squats or heavy weight bench presses, until you get it checked out. If this is what it is, it can be dangerous to leave it untreated.  Also the benefit after recovery is that when you rebuild the strength in this area you will be able to workout as you want without pain or worry.  If it is something else, maybe cramping, and  you need to supplement some magnesium, then that is good to know too.

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   Ronlavineposted 14 years ago

   I agree with Chris Fry and others that sit-ups aren't a good exercise.  They put more pressure on the low back and can damage the discs.  Plus, they don't achieve the purpose of abdominal exercise in the first place, which is to give you trunk support/stability.
   
   P.S. I'm a doctor of chiropractic

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   MosLadderposted 13 years ago

   If the pain hasn't gone away, or recurs every time you do sit-ups and/or other core exercises, definitely cease (all) activity until you get it checked out.

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   Fitness Fitnessposted 13 years ago

   I'm also of the opinion that sit up may not be an essential exercise always. Its result varies from person to person. One must do some back bending exercises even if sit ups suit him or her. One of the most common back bending exercises in Yoga is called Bhujangasana( Snake Pose). But Sit ups are not that useless always. But it should be done carefully. You must have proper warm up exercises before doing such kind of excercises. There are many alternative exercises through which one can achieve better results..without doing sit ups.
   

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