Q's about crunches and other excercies...

[silverwex]

Hey all, started the skinny guy programme (at last!) and i was doing crunches. on the second set my stomach started to cramp and so i gave up as i didnt wanna injure anything.

Is this the correct thing to do?

Also, I performed the shrug excercise - are you mean to feel nothing while doing this? I was using heavy dumbells but there wasnt MUCH of a twinge in my shoulders/neck area.

Thanks

 

[DJBen]

if it becomes really bad when you're crunching, give it up and do another set later if you're up to it.

Your abs are used a hell of a lot in everyday life and every exersize you do, so they're pretty tough. Just never train them when they're sore!

Shrugs are weird for me... I often used to find myself going so heavy I wouldnt feel it in the traps. Try and lighten the weight and get the concentration entirely on your traps - you might not feel the first set, but you'll know you've done it right when they feel like they've been pummelled with a meat tenderizer about 10 mins after you finish off your workout

 

[UltraMan]

I never feel anything when I work my traps either, but i feel it the next day. Must be doing something!

 

[Lifeforce]

Congrats on finally starting.

In general always stop whatever you are doing if you feel something is wrong. In my experience the best way to be prepared and avoid injuries is to warm up thoroughly before.

Concerning shrugs, they are the most abused muscle in the body, When you read this, take one of your hand and give it a squeeze, I bet it is at least semi-hard. IMO shrugs (and calves) are muscles which should be worked with higher rep ranges to get them worked. Still use the heavy muscles, just go with some more reps. And as Ben says, go a little lighter so you can go the entire range.

 

[silverwex]

Wow yeah my hand is stiff!



As usual guys youve been a great help! Cant wait til wednesday to start on the legs!

One thing tho - my parents keep geting onto me for 'Using that protein stuff' and 'what do you want big muscles for, youre fine the way you are!' its getting real annoying!

 

[Lifeforce]

Sorry for the typos, I don't understand my own post.

My parents and most of all my brother was at me for using protein supplement (and creatine). He asked why I trained and explained 1000 dangers with weight lifting, beware the dream snatchers around you. They are often overprotective or jealous. It'll go away when they get used to it, for now, just endure that people don't like what you do. When you start to gain they will be at you again trying to put you down. When you recognize any of this then you know it is a GOOD sign because you are on your way.

 

[DJBen]

ah ha, I do believe you're learning the fact that americans always want to be huge, and europeans dont

My parents always say I'm eating way too much protein and I'm gonna get some sort of stomache/gut problem... they always want to know why I want to be big when I look 'fine' as it is. They dont see that I dont want to be 'fine', I want to look like the best thing in the city, y'know? I want to be the best I can be - better than any other guy I see around town.

You'll just have to ignore what they say - if you can. I've started getting really stressed with them - I explained whey for hours and they still thought it was drugs. Yeah, I've got 5lbs of anabolics in my cupboard... *cough* yah :\

Have fun on leg day