Why Your Stomach Hurts During or After Sit-Ups and How to Fix It
Sit-ups are a classic go-to for strengthening your abs, but sometimes that satisfying burn in your stomach can turn into an uncomfortable—or even alarming—pain. Understanding why your stomach hurts during or after sit-ups can help you exercise safely, avoid injury, and recover faster. Muscle Strain: When Your Abs Are Overworked A muscle strain happens when the fibers in your abdominal muscles are overstretched or slightly torn. This usually occurs due to overdoing your workouts or using improper form. Unlike normal workout soreness, a strain often feels sharper during movements like coughing, laughing, or getting up from a chair. You...
Crunches vs Planks: Who Wins the Strong and Toned Abs Showdown?
Crunches and planks are two of the most well-known exercises that come to mind when you think of core exercises. They are easy to use, efficient, and don’t require any expensive equipment. They can be performed on the floor of your living room, in a park, or even during a commercial break. Which one should you pick, though, if you want to have sculpted abs and a stronger core? Building True Core Strength Planks are the best option if strength is your main concern. Planks are a static hold; no movement is necessary, in contrast to crunches. All you’re...
4 Pilates Exercises to Relieve Lower Back Pain
Bella Breakdown Strengthening your core can help support and stabilize your back, which may have the effect of reducing lower back pain. Give these four Pilates core exercises a try. #1 The 100 Set– laying on your back with your legs at a 45° angle and in a roll up position, pump your arms to the count of 100. #2 Scissors – roll up into a partial sit up position and scissor your legs. Alternate by pulling each leg toward your forehead then switch. Do this for 30 seconds. #3 Glute Bridges– laying on your back with your feet...
5 Yoga Poses for Flat Abs
Bella Breakdown Try out these 5 yoga poses and finally get those flat abs that you’ve wanted! #1 Dynamic Down Dog Starting in traditional Down Dog position, move forward into Plank position, then back to Down Dog again. Repeat. #2 Plank Step-Outs Begin in traditional Plank pose with your hands positioned on the floor directly under your shoulders. First, step out to the right of your body with your right foot while maintaining Plank pose with the rest of your body, then bring your foot back to its’ original position. Do the same on the left foot. Repeat. #3...
One Easy Move for Tighter Abs? Yes Please!
Bella Breakdown Stronger core here you come! It’s swimsuit season, so get yourself bikini ready with this simple move. Spread out your yoga mat and get ready for a rush of endorphins. As with any exercise, make sure you have plenty of water and stay hydrated. To do the v-sit with tuck start by sitting on your mat with your back straight, balm flat behind you, knees bent and feet planted on the floor. Then raise your legs until there’s a 45 degree angle between your hips and knees, if necessary lean back slightly to ensure proper alignment (we...
