Why do my legs/hips hurt when I do ab work?

[chilifreak]

Hi

I have a very annoying problem!! when ever I do crunches, especially on the incline bench, I find that the muscle at the front of the hips, connecting the lower body to the upper legs, hurts way more than my abs! I have to stop because that hurts so much, not because my abs hurt. Which sucks, because I don't even think they're getting a workout!

It's really frustrating! Am I doing something wrong?

[DJAuto]

Hi

I have a very annoying problem!! when ever I do crunches, especially on the incline bench, I find that the muscle at the front of the hips, connecting the lower body to the upper legs, hurts way more than my abs! I have to stop because that hurts so much, not because my abs hurt. Which sucks, because I don't even think they're getting a workout!

It's really frustrating! Am I doing something wrong?

Those are your hip flexors.

They are activated during extension at the waist. Check your technique and ensure the movement is controlled (an uncontrolled movement can engage the flexors to a undesirable degree).

[KhoraskGTR]

Those are your hip flexors.

They are activated during extension at the waist. Check your technique and ensure the movement is controlled (an uncontrolled movement can engage the flexors to a undesirable degree).

I have the same issue.. I find I get more pain with a slow controlled movement :s and less with a fast uncontrolled movement ? Both ways though, my hip flexors get more of a workout than my abs :s

Suggestions anyone

[RabidRick]

This happened when I started to do incline sit ups again but it went away after a bit... If it's still hurting a lot you're probably using your legs too much to try and help stabilize as you get up. Where are your hands? It might be easier to control the muscles being used if you have them on your chest and not behind your head. You should be able to stabilize yourself to the bench without using your flexors too much.


Just my thoughts...

[brighamw]

Those are your hip flexors.

They are activated during extension at the waist. Check your technique and ensure the movement is controlled (an uncontrolled movement can engage the flexors to a undesirable degree).

Follw this advice, technique,form and pace are very important in ab work...

[TKOtheKDR]

hip flexors.

[ironwill2008]

As others have stated, it's an issue of incorrect exercise form. You hip flexors will always be worked, to an extent, while working abs, but improving your form will help to shift more of the emphasis to your abs. Perfect practice makes perfect.