Sit-ups.

Rossonero

Should a person be able to do sit-ups without anchoring their feet? I can't do a single sit-up with my feet lying freely on the ground, i have to hold them under a heavy object.

briano

Yes.

Try not to 'jerk' your torso off the ground, instead use your abdominal muscles to lift your head up. Also make sure you are not pulling your head up with your hands.

BaZmO*

If you're having problems intially, use a Swiss Ball to build up the strength in your abs.

Personally I find using the Swiss Ball hits the abs more directly.

B.

dudara

I found that by doing crunches up to 45 degrees at the start, I was able to progress to full sit-ups. I think it's a matter of training your ab muscles to lift you up, rather than your back.

Lie on the floor, then bring your shoulders off the ground. From now until the end of the set, your shoulders will not touch the ground again. Sit up to 45 degrees, exhale and conciously crunch the stomach. You'll know when you're doing it right because it will hurt. Recline, breathing out and repeat.

Rossonero

OK, cheers lads