Why does my back hurt when doing ab exercises?

According to Harvard Medical School, crunches are hard on your back, since they “push your curved spine against the floor and work your hip flexors, the muscles that run from the thighs to the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back.” When your hip flexors are too tight, they pull on your lower spine, which can cause lower …

Are planks better than sit-ups?

Sit-ups once ruled as the way to tighter abs and a slimmer waistline, while “planks” were merely flooring. Second, plank exercises recruit a better balance of muscles on the front, sides, and back of the body during exercise than do sit-ups, which target just a few muscles.

Is plank good for abs?

Additionally, planks don’t just work your core: They work your entire body. Planks require your arms, your legs, and all of your abs, making them an all-encompassing workout and a more efficient way to exercise.

Is plank bad for your back?

Planks strengthen the muscles that make holding a neutral spinal posture possible, reducing the stress to your back even when sitting. Improved abdominal strength and core stability will also enhance your balance and flexibility, making your movements more efficient and reduce the risk of injury.

Are sit ups bad for your back?

According to Harvard Health Publications, sit-ups can be very hard on the spine and potentially damaging. With a sit-up, and to lesser extent crunches, the position and movement of the body works against the natural curvature of the spine, and therefore can lead to low back discomfort, pain, and even injury.

What are the best exercises for back pain?

Leg and arm extension: Kneel on all fours and tighten your abdominal muscles.

Hamstring Stretches: Exertion does not measure the benefit of an exercise.

Cobra Pose: A modified version of a yoga pose called cobra can help improve flexibility in your spine.

Hip Lifts: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.

What are the best exercises for a bad back?

Medicine Ball High-To-Low Chop.

Superman.

Medicine Ball Plank.

Overhead Pull.

Mid-Back Extension.

Bird Dog Crunch.

Medicine Ball Overhead Slam.

Renegade Row.

Full Body Roll-Up.

Downward Dog.

What exercises cause back pain?

Exercises that cause back pain virtually always involve repetitive motions that can instigate and stimulate this occurrence, with some, such as gymnastics, being well known to reshape the spine at a dramatically premature age.