ABC’s Of Sit-Ups

The alphabet doesn’t necessarily come to mind when you’re trying to work out, no? But I found an article today about the ABC’s of Safer Sit-Ups which I thought was really enlightening. I know one technique when doing sit-ups and that your chin, when you pull up should be aligned right below your neck almost to the chest and you should be able to form a tennis ball in between. That’s all I know and I try to follow whenever I’m doing my sit-ups. Here are the ABC’s of a better sit-up for future reference :

“A” is for alignment

To set up your sit-up properly, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor close to your hips. Keep the small of your back flat on the floor This will help you engage your abs instead of your hip-flexor muscles.

 

“B” is for body control

As you lift your head, neck and torso, make your abs do the work, not your neck and lower back. Go slowly and with control. Sit up only high enough for your shoulders to clear the floor. Pause at the top of the movement for a count of two, then roll down one vertebrae at a time for another count of two, using your abdominal muscles to resist the pull of gravity. Avoid rushing and using your body’s momentum to complete the move.

 

“C” is for consistency

For a strong, resilient girdle of support, which can help prevent lower-back pain, do sit-ups every other day.

 

“D” Develop all the abdominal muscles

Also exercise the lower abdominal muscles. Lying on your back with knees bent. Tighten the abdominal muscles, bring one knee towards the chest, Keep it there.

More explanation for each alphabet can be found at revolution health.

(Image : Newscom)