File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Despite my level of fitness, I've always been able to do a ton of crunches with no problem whatsover.

Recently, I've had a lot of dull pain in my lower back, I'm not sure the cause. After a few months of being off, I've been trying to get back into a regular fitness routine, but now I can't even do half the amount of crunches I used to be able to. It's very frustrating.

I'm thinking I should just gradually rebuild abdominal strength, taking it up incrementally day by day. But I don't know if that'll strengthen my back or just fuck it up worse. What do you think, /fit/?
>> Anonymous
Crunches suck. Reverse crunches FTW.
>> Anonymous
>>159618
OP here. What is this reverse crunch you speak of?
>> Anonymous
i dunno lol
>> Anonymous
>>159618
Google
1. Lie on the floor and place hands on the floor or behind the head.
2. Bring the knees in towards the chest until they're bent to 90 degrees, with feet together or crossed.
3. Contract the abs to curl the hips off the floor, reaching the legs up towards the ceiling.
4. Lower and repeat for 12-16 reps.
5. It's a very small movement, so try to use your abs to lift your hips rather than swinging your legs and creating momentum.
>> Anonymous
Not remembering to strengthen your back muscles can really put a strain on them when other muscles are frequently pumped up. Strengthen your back.
>> Anonymous
>>159653
I always kinda thought that back muscles would be strengthened along with the abs...
>> Anonymous
>>159675
Not always the case, unfortunately. My father was a big musclehead in his younger years and now suffers poor posture and back pain from his lack of back exercises.
>> Anonymous
>>159690
Well, shit.

Looking into Pilates for back/core strengthening now.