Stomach crunches help to tone your abdominal muscles and reduce your muffin top. However, this exercise should not give you stomach pain or make you sick. You may feel uncomfortable performing crunches if you do them on a full stomach or if you perform them while your heart rate is high.
Crunches
The American Council on Exercise explains that crunches primarily target the transverse abdominals and the rectus abdominus. Proper form is crucial during your crunches to prevent neck pain, back pain and overall discomfort. Place your hands lightly behind your head and draw your naval in. As you lift your shoulder blades off your mat exhale and be mindful not to pull on the back of your neck. Keep your lower back pressed into your mat and slowly inhale as you lower down.
Food or Drink
While eating foods that fuel your body and staying hydrated is important for exercise, you need to be aware of how much you are eating. The Mayo Clinic notes that every body reacts differently to food and water during an exercise routine. Too much food or water before exercise can lead to cramping during crunches or even lead to nausea. However, you may find that if you do not eat enough you can also feel sick from being lightheaded. Aim to eat a snack an hour before your crunch workout and stay hydrated before, during and after.
Holding Your Breath
Holding your breath is a mistake made when performing crunches. When you hold your breath you are more likely to become lightheaded and feel sick. As you complete crunches it is important that you stay connected to your breath. Exhale as you come to the top of your crunch and inhale as you return back to your mat.
High Heart Rate
An increased heart rate may cause you to feel lightheaded or even nauseous when you perform crunches. For example, if you just finish running or performing high impact aerobics you do not want to come down onto your mat and begin crunches. It is important to let the heart rate return close to its resting state before you go into a supine position. You want to keep your head above your heart until your heart rate returns to a normal beat.
Member Comments