Was just wondering if anyone can give me advice about sit-ups. I think I have correct technique, making sure I use my ab muscles to pull myself up, but my neck starts hurting after about thirty and it feels like I'm straining it. I've tried supporting my head with my hands but still get the feeling. Is there anything I can do about this, or any alterntive exercises I can do? Thanks.
In general, doing ab exercises on the floor is bad for your back, your neck, and sit-ups specifically don't come close to working that entire part of the body. If you want to do ab work away from the gym, try floor Pilates [
POP Pilates: Intense Ab Workout (Actually one of this woman's easier ab workouts)]. Pilates really focuses on the quality of the movement and the stabilization of your entire core, so you'll get a fuller, safer workout. Tons of golfers, basketball players, and many actors and dancers do it, so it's good stuff.
ETA: And like
Brendonia recommends, taking you're ab work off the floor is definitely preferred over sit-ups. Planks are easy enough to put in at the end of a workout, and they give great results.
But, honestly, if you're doing compound lifts at the gym, there's not much of a need to do core-specific exercises. If I remember correctly, nearly all of the exercises listed in the OP work your core in some way.