When I do situps or crunches I start to have cramps in my sides and have to stop...has anyone experienced this?? It's like "charlie horses" in my sides instead of my legs where you normally have them. Could it be from lack of exercise?

bump

I get them if I can really pushing myself....but I work through them...can you keep going?

Make sure that you aren't holding your breath.

Mel

What about slowing down? doing a more controlled and focus'd crunch?

I haven't gotten cramps in my sides, but I have had them elsewhere.

In addition to what others have said, make sure you're completely hydrated. Also, low potassium can cause cramps. Finally, make sure you're warming up properly and stretching.

Good luck -- hope this helps!

Hello Message Board
Today I did some exercises they weren't that bad. But I remember last semester we did this really hard workout and I was really sore from it a weeks worth of hurting I mean my back hurt so bad and I could not hardly bend it hurt that bad but I started putting my back on the heating pad. But Situps are hard to for you know the old fashion way of doing sit ups.... its hard for me to do it that way I like having my hand behind my head instead of having my hands on my chest... I haven't ever had cramps in my side after exercising.

My suggestion is indigestion.

Have you allowed enough time since you ate or drank anything before you do the situps? (I've got a bit of a tender tummy at the moment and anything less than two hours gives me pains like you describe.)