Training & Nutrition - Second rate abs?

This isn't strictly a cycling related question but some folks here might be able to help me. I seem to have a problem doing abdominal exercises like sit ups. I just find them difficult and hard to break into any routine with them.

Also, whenever I strain myself in work it's always this area around my belly. Never anywhere else. I reckon I just got weak abs.

I've got a tiny bit of excess there that I'd like to tone but I have to balance not pulling something with forcing myself to do exercises I find very difficult.

I'm only 22 btw, so, all my bits should be functioning properly...

Thanks

BadBreaks

well, I know sit-ups stress the lower back alot, so maybe you have a weak lower back?

Come to think of it, my abs have been getting a bit flabby. Sigh, time to do more sit-ups...

Wow, I've never heard of anyone straining their abs doing something. How are you bending that your abs are getting strained?

Maybe he's getting cramps or a stitch in his side?

It's in the general waist/ belly area, perhaps its hernia or something like that.

I just presumed the two things might be connected.

BadBreaks

what works for ab training other than situps?

I can do them but my tail bone pops on each one, and it gets very painful very fast.

There is that machine where you rest your forearms on the pads and raise your legs up, forgot what it's called though.

Other than that I don't know any, sorry.

What's really helped my abs isn't sit-ups... rather, I lie flat on my back, and lift my feet and shoulders/head 6 inches off the ground and hold for as long as possible (called "V-sits"). Do these a dozen or so times per workout and you'll really feel the burn.