Question about Situps ?

[sumalee]

I'm doing sit-ups on one of these incline benches at the gym:

Image

and I notice after a while my lower back muscles burning (not lower back pain, but something akin to back extensions). However, ExRx doesn't list this muscle as being utilized in the exercise, so am I doing it wrong?

[stuward]

https://exrx.net/WeightExercises/Rectus ... clineSitUp

The first synergist on the list is the Iliopsoas. That muscle group is attached to your spine.

https://exrx.net/Muscles/Iliopsoas

Also there is a link to this. https://exrx.net/Questions/DangerousExercises#Incline

The problem is that the target muscle is too weak. Try this first: https://exrx.net/WeightExercises/Rectus ... s/WtSitUpX

If that is still a problem do Crunches, or half sit ups.

[mattsouth]

Have you tried leg raises instead?

[stuward]

I didn't recommend leg raises because they still allow the hip flexors to overwhelm the abs. If you need to strengthen abs relative to your hip flexors, leg raises are not the way.