sore 'arris when doing situps

[bob_summers]

kind of base of the spine, top o' the crack area (sorry )
i'm using a soft mat but i don't think even sitting on a cushion would help. it seems to be from the pelvic rolling forward motion, after about 40 reps or so (i'm doing the 200 situps program). bad form? or am i badly made? should i sack the situps and do crunches instead?

[baldy]

should i sack the situps and do crunches instead?

I would say do the plank rather, not a big fan of crunches maybe the most over rated exercise in the world!

[Konstantin]

Ouch!!

Bad memories for me, I was taking the skin off mine at one point. The year I joined VF I was doing 1000/week and my bum was suffering. I got an exercise mat such as the ones used in aerobics classes. It helped but didn't solve the problem. Getting a good grip on the floor also helped because the bum can move backwards and forwards as you do reps. If you're on carpet and move about a lot, try different surfaces, mats etc. You can also apply stuff like calomine lotion or even athletes foot cream. A close friend who you really trust, handy with a paint brush is a definite advantage here.

I suspect part of my problem was that I have a very hairy arse, but no way was I going to do anything about this.

You have my sympathy, but please do not post a photo.

[bob_summers]

jeebus, so many?!
thanks for the advice, i feel that you're more than qualified after 1000 a week! i should add that it doesn't feel like a friction issue. it's deeper, like someone's kicked me there! early days yet though... erring on the side of caution as being a cyclist i really don't want problems in that particular location

will look at the plank too.

[Konstantin]

Yeah, another vote for planks (and side planks, spider planks, planks with toddlers on your back, etc.).

Another thought - it sounds like you're getting lots of pressure on a small area. Can you use or make a cushion that puts more weight on other areas? Cushions used by people who have broken their coccyx do this.

http://www.google.co.uk/images?rlz=1T4ACAW_enGB386GB386&q=coccyx%20cushion&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1291&bih=462

Doughnut shaped solution here?

[fredrikw]

you've answered your own question I think, if you don't consider situps to be your main sport there's really no reason to keep doing them if they give you that kind of discomfort... get yourself a balance ball, a very versatile tool to do a lot of efficient core work on.

[hoffmeister]

I agree, crunches and situps are suboptimal. Do planks, or knees to elbows/toes to bar or hanging leg raises instead.

[XkillerX]

For the hundredeleventh time, click 'eer

[Konstantin]

No way dude, machines and gyms are similarly suboptimal.

Thers are brilliant. You can do them on your own with just a drop and swing effect, they're still great, but make sure you hold onto something stable (I use a sofa).