Stomach Muscles

I have what I believe is unique in that if I try a certain excersie that involves the stomach, the muscles tighten to the point you can actuall see the muscles protruding from the stomach area.  The pain is excrutiating and it lasts until the muscles "relax" but then the entire stomach area is sore.  While I do a good deal of exercising including running, weights, sports, I cannot do Pilates or any other activity that uses stomach muscles.  This can even happen if I bend over to tie a shoe.  What do you think I have and how can it be corrected?

[Gloria1972]

I'm wondering the same thing.  I started going back to the gym 2 months ago.  I was successful in using the ab machine.  Then I tried a similar ab machine and the next day I suffered with a sore neck.  Went back to the gym and stayed away from the 2nd ab machine and stuck with the 1st one.  Went to the gym the next day and used my regular ab machine.  This time I had no stomach strength, like I couldn't crunch with any weights at all.  My stomach felt very strange.  So I took 2 weeks off to let my "stomach muscles" heal.  Went back to the gym yesterday and my stomach has strength now, but it still feels weird.  What's going on with our stomachs???  I've never felt anything like this before.  Did you ever find out what's going on with yours???  Does it just mean we have weak stomach muscles???  I'm wondering if there's something we can do to increase our stomach muscle strength like "Core Training".

Anyway, hope you're feeling better!!!

[marissposa]

I have 3 bits of advice:
1)  Don't exercise the same muscle group two days in a row, especially when just starting or resuming training after a break.   It is normal for muscles that are not used to working to be exhausted and "burnt out"  the day after working them
2)  always try to relax your neck and jaw when doing ab work.  It is so common to tense them and those muscles are not the ones we really need to work.  I suggest exhaling when you come up into a crunch, and each time you exhale visualize your neck and jaw muscles being soft and pliant.
3)  Yes  to core training!  Since you're already going to the gym, try their pilates classes.  It is safer than using weights and you will be developing flatter ab muscles  than the bulky sort that come from the kind that come  from wight training.
Good for you for getting back into it!

[Suri123]

Hi Gloria1972, how are you doing? Hope you are feeling better now? You need to work out your gym schedule with the trainer for at least 1 or 2 months till you are fully aware of the exercising various groups of muscle, the optimum pace and rhythm required and plan the goal to be acheived. Time and regularity of schedule is very important to maintain the tone of muscle and avoid muscle soreness. Do not over exert yourself and avoid working on one particular muscle group the entire day. Initial warm up stretches and steam bath with gentle massage at end of session is very beneficial. Have balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Painkillers and muscle relaxants for couple of days will help. Take care and share your thoughts.

[marissposa]

I would have to  respectfully disagree with Suri123 I think painkillers and muscle relaxers are pretty extreme for what sounds like normal muscle fatigue.  No need to expose your body to chemicals.  Just give yourself time to adjust to the new workout routine and know that it will get better.  In the meantime the steambath, massage, stretches, balanced diet and lots of water are all wonderful ideas.  Mostly just keep in mind, this is normal when increasing your level of physical activity and it will pass.  
Happy crunching :)

[Mushel]

Hi All,
Use the ab ball - this is the most non injurious piece of equipment in the gym.
You don't need a weighted ab machine to work your abs - yes abs have to be worked daily but so does cardio - after 6 weeks of doing both with proper diet you will find your 6 pack developing. Water and weights are key as well. Your abs are the backbone for almost every body part you train. They are your equalizer. With strong abs you will find the rest of your body will fall into place - cardio burns the fat and increases endurance which in turn gives you more energy to do your strength training.
Good luck,
Mushel
Don't forget the combo of good carbs and protein.
I recommend Advantedge EAS  shakes after each workout.

[macyred]

I get stomach muscle cramps often they really hurt I have not really been able to pinpoint an activity could this be do to scar tissue from a surgry years ago or some other reason?

[Dr Vinod]

Scar can be an issue, but you should  not get dehydrated during exercise. Drink enough water and proper salt consumption during exercise & also have proper food before exercise to give you energy. Do not exert yourself and increase your tempo slowly. Try to find out the reason with any trainer while working out. Take care!