The P90X is an intense 90-day at-home program that includes 12 instructional DVDs meant to help you build your physique using strength, cardio, flexibility and core training. The chair dips are part of the training for your chest and arms, although your abdominal muscles do flex during the exercise to maintain stability. Pain in the stomach while performing chair dips could be due to a variety of factors, including cramping or a torn muscle. If the pain is severe or occurs consistently while engaging in this activity, consult a doctor.
P90X Chair Dips
The chair dips performed as part of the P90X workout regimen are similar to a standard chair dip. You need two sturdy chairs to perform the exercise: one to prop your feet up and one to rest your arms on and perform the dipping movement. Although the movement focuses on working your triceps, your chest, back, abdomen and legs are also engaged. When performing the exercise, however, you should not feel any real strain except in your triceps.
Stomach Pain
A variety of causes can contribute to stomach pain while performing the P90X chair dips. One possible cause could be that your abdominal muscles are fatigued from performing other exercises, such as Yoga X or core training. Fatigue can lead to cramping or a strained muscle, which is a small tear in the muscle fibers. Cramps tend to dissipate once you stop activity, but if the pain lingers, it could be a muscle strain. Gastrointestinal problems, caused by overeating, eating problematic foods or an underlying medical disorder could also be to blame. Gastrointestinal pain typically is accompanied by other symptoms, including gas, bloating, belching or nausea.
Treatment
Rubbing your stomach and stretching your abdomen can help get rid of a cramp more quickly, but it should go away on its own. Mild strains can be treated by resting your muscles for several days. More severe strains require a longer healing time. Gastrointestinal pain is often relieved by a bowel movement, but should go away soon after activity ends. If the pain lasts longer than three days, is severe or occurs every time you do the P90X chair dips, consult a doctor.
Prevention
Because the P90X uses the principle of muscle confusion, you do not do the same exercises in the same order each time you workout.This can mean you might perform chair dips after engaging in a rigorous abdominal workout. If this is the case, avoid performing chair dips if your abdominal muscles are fatigued or sore. Performing fewer repetitions and avoiding using any added weight may also help. Lightly stretching your abdominal muscles and avoiding eating or drinking too much before activity can help prevent cramps. Also, stay away from foods that you know cause digestive problems for you. Ensure you are using proper form by watching the DVD of the P90X chair dip workout.
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