Sit-ups, cruches and other similar movements are examples of abdominal exercises you can do to help strengthen your core. These exercises might be difficult for some people because they can cause pain in your abs after numerous repetitions. Performing these or any exercises should be done with focus on proper form and comfort levels, however pain can be a common side effect of strenuous physical exercise. Understanding when to stop exercising can also be critical to your workout success.
Normal Pain
When you begin to exercise any part of your body, muscles surrounding this area will undergo numerous contractions and relaxation movements are your body moves along a joint or joints. During these contractions, your muscles will begin to produce lactic acid, which causes fatigue and the burning sensation you feel after prolonged exercise. In addition, your muscles will experience hundreds of microtears as the work against one another, which can also cause pain in your body. These pains are to be expected in most people.
When to Stop
While exercising, you are very likely to feel pain as your lactic acid builds up in your muscles. This minor source of pain should not cause you to stop exercising, however. If you begin to experience a great deal of pain during your abdominal exercises, such as sharp or extremely intense pains in your stomach or back, this may be a sign of injury. Therefore, stop exercising immediately and take time to rest.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
At times, you might not experience pain in your abdominal muscles during exercise until long after you have finished your workout. This phenomenon is referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness. Symptoms of DOMS can range from normal muscle soreness to severe debilitating pain that can present a day or two after completion of your workout. Micro-injuries and tears in your abdominal muscles can cause a delayed onset of pain commonly associated with DOMS.
Considerations
Pain or discomfort during exercise is a normal occurrence that you will experience, including during the execution of abdominal exercises. Taking time to rest between repetition sets is a good way to prevent the possibility of injury during exercise, as well as staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water during your workout. While mild to moderate pain is perceived as being normal during exercise, severe shooting pains can be a sign of a more serious medical condition or injury.
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