I can't seem to do a crunch without hurting my back. Every time I sit up, it feel like my spine is pressing into the floor and hurts really bad. Am I doing something wrong? Is there a better way? It seems the only way I can do a crunch without it hurting my back is on the bed. Then I end up just rolling around because my bed is really... what's the right word?... fluffy.

Should I get an exercise ball? What about those ab lounges? Are they worth it?

Christine

Personally it just depends on the person I think everyone is different in what works for them. But I would definitely give the ball a try. I haven't tried the bender ball which I would like to try, but just a regular big ball those are awesome to do crunches on. My personal trainer told me to use them instead of doing them on the floor. They are better for your back and they give you a wider rage of movement then on the floor. On the ball you can go back a bit farther you don't get stopped by a floor. I think with the ball it supports your back enough that it doesn't make your spine feel like it's digging into the ground. I think it makes my ab's feel like they are really getting a workout. I got this dvd kit from Wal-Mart a couple of months ago that came with a video, ball, and band. It came with all kinds of workouts to do on the ball or with a stretch band. I think it was only like $20.00 but I love it.

Thanks. I think I'm going to try that. If nothing else, my son will get a kick out of the big ball.

Christine

The floor? Are you on a padded surface?

Not unless you count carpet. I've tried using pillows, but it didn't help much.

Christine