There's a sticky=post at the top of the forum about from muffin top to 6 pack that you might want to read. Make sure you're not pulling on your neck. You can rest your hands there, but if you can't resist pulling, cross them over your chest instead. I think some neck pain when you first start doing them again is normal, at least for me. There are muscles there too. You can google a sit-up video in your browser to get some good videos of how to do them that might help you.

If sit-ups make your neck hurt, maybe try some different exercises. There are lots of ab exercises that would accomplish the same thing as sit-ups. My favorites are crunches, leg raises (I do them with 5 second holds at the bottom and top of the motion), flutter and/or scissor kicks, and bicycles. All of these are a lot easier on my neck than sit-ups.

Check out http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts...category%3Aabs for lots of ab exercises that don't involve any special equipment. This same site suggests that when you do sit-ups, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth. This is supposed to help you align your head properly.

What I have found incredibly helpful is checking out a book on " Mat Pilates for Home" at my local library. (You don't need a mat if you have carpeted floors, but don't try these on hard or wood floors! ) Some of the moves are definitely more advanced, but most of them can easily be done by beginners. I liked the book so much, that I have ordered a DVD, and have now progressed to classes and such. Definitely my new favorite "Abs" Workout!