Abdominal Contractions HELP PLEASE

[Run|NeR]

I have never been big into working out, but my entire family is and I have just began, I have always eaten healthy, and I can notice a difference in my appearance alreay, but I dont think i am doing my abdominal excercises correctly please help

When I do crunchs, leg raises or other abdominal excercises and try to contract my abs I feel like I have to take a shit I think I am contracting the wrong mussle group, am I? Also my back and neck get sore rather quckly, thank in advancve for any advice.

 

[w8lifter]

It sounds as if you may be pulling on your head....try putting your hands across your chest or just at the sides of your head, make sure you're lifting w/ your tummy and not pulling your head to get up.

Also, don't forget to breathe...exhale on the way up, inhale on the way down.

Keeping your knees bent will ensure the abdominals are doing most of the work as opposed to the hip flexors.

 

[gopro]

What w8lifter said, and, make sure you are moving slowly during your ab exercises...focusing on working the abdominal wall. It might help you to put one hand on your tummy during crunches so you can feel your abs contracting and relaxing during the exercise.