stomach pain when doing push-ups? WTF?

[sonak]

I've tried at various points to get into a regular push-up routine, as far as amount done per day, etc., because they are supposedly one of the better and more comprehensive exercises.



The problem isn't my willingness to keep up with it though, it's that on the third or fourth day, inevitably I will start experiencing serious stomach pain to the point where I can't continue. It just feels like a burning sensation in the belly area.


My question is-WTF? How does doing a bunch of push-ups cause stomach pain? Am I doing them wrong?

 

[Starbreaker]

You're probably just severely overworking the same group of muscles. Try switching up the exercises you're doing so you're not doing the same thing every day.

 

[RoJoHen]

Push-ups, if done properly, will also work your core. Is it your belly, or is it actually your ab muscles getting worked?

I have to agree, though, you shouldn't do the same thing two (and certainly not 4) days in a row. Your muscles need to heal before you work them again, otherwise they are just going to be sore and fatigued.

 

[sonak]

I didn't realize you weren't supposed to do the same exercise days in a row-I'd read that some athletes have a "push-up routine" of a large amount daily. (Not that I do near any amount that they would, but I didn't think it would hurt).

Thanks for the help.

 

[RoJoHen]

Well, if your muscles aren't used to it, it's gonna hurt. Conditioned athletes can get away with it because it takes a lot more work to break their muscles down.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

Muscles need some time to grow, and if you don't give them a break and time to do that you'll be wasting your effort. Just do strength training on a particular muscle group on nonconsecutive days and you'll be fine.

 

[RoJoHen]

And make sure to eat plenty of food and get plenty of sleep in between!

 

[Roger Wilco]

A little pain is not a bad thing in strength training, especially when you aren't even using weights or anything except your own body (like with push-ups). If you aren't exhausted when you're done you're probably not doing it hard enough imo.

 

[fhaye101]

There is a saying goes no pain no gain. That would be the feeling of having over work out and just limit yourself and would all be ok. I think for a start it will always feel the pain, eventually you could not feel the pain.

 

[clint g]

If you're just getting into a workout routine, I would suggest something like this.

Monday-Upper body workouts (pushups-wide arm, close arm. After a while you should be able to do diamonds)/run a mile (maybe more, maybe less depending on your current level of fitness)

Tuesdays-Work on abs (situps and flutter kicks)

Wed (same as monday)

Thursday-(same as tuesday)

Friday-(same as monday)

Take Saturday and Sunday off. This is a good way to start because you're giving yourself time for your body to repair each group. Running is important because it helps get rid of excess fat/build stamina. All of these exercises are simple to do and easy to learn. More complex exercises can be introduced as you get in better shape, but early on they can really hurt you if you aren't at an appropriate fitness level/haven't developed the co-ordination yet.

If you're considering moving onto weights, I would suggest waiting a bit and focusing on the push-ups/sit-ups/run for a little bit to get your body a little more familiar with stress.

Most of all, eat right and I wish you the best of luck Getting into an exercise routine is hard work.


EDIT: The stomach muscles that are hurting you are your core body muscles. Push-ups mostly help your pectorals, triceps and shoulders (depending on how close together your arms are). Your core muscles are stabilizing your body as you do this, so they are getting strained as well.

 

[mathew1204]

Your probably stressing too much on a group of muscles and doing too many repetitions on that area you also need to concentrate on the surrounding areas of the stomach muscles to give a solid foundation rather than just the front.

 

[Kirby]

Try backing off on the push ups and do some planks for a while to develop your core. You'll still get some pain, but it may be worth a shot.