5 Great Reasons to Never Do Another Sit-Up Again

By Paul John Scott,

DETAILS

1. Contrary to popular belief, sit-ups don't protect your back. Studies show that building static back strength is the key to preventing injury.

2. Sit-ups and crunches actually compress your spine more than is allowed by occupational-safety standards.

3. You risk even more damage if you do the move of the moment: a sit-up on a physio ball. Hyperextending your back below its midline is a no-no.

4. Flexing forward at the waist is also a bad idea. Your abs were designed to be a rigid hoop to support your spine.

5. Sit-ups are a far less effective abs exercise than planks, which work your six-pack and obliques up to 25 percent more efficiently than sit-ups or crunches.



Read more: How To Get Six-Pack Abs (Without A Single Sit-Up)


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Photo: Eric Ray Davidson