Are they best for pukka abs? or do they just cause back injuries?
There’s a lot of controversy over them, are they good, are they bad? Here’s the full run down…
Benefits?
- Easy to do
- Accessable
- Strengthens the core
- Greater flexibility on the spine and hips
- Adds stability to the core
Down side?
- Causes lower back injuries
Now the argument is, they’re the go to exercise (alongside plank) when people think of core exercises.
There are so many alternatives to these.
Personally I think Sit ups are a great way to strength the core, I use them for my clients that can do them. If anyone struggles, I just use a different alternative.
So personally, there’s always an upside and downside to everything
so you just have to ask yourself
Do they hurt me?
Am I getting more injuries than benefits from these?
If they aren’t for you, they aren’t for you. Doesn’t mean they’re bad. They just don’t suit you.
As the classic saying goes…
“One mans trash, is another mans gold”
Do what works for you.
If you do struggle with sit ups, here’s some good alternatives…
- Banded Dead bugs
- Pallof Press
- Woodchoppers
- Planks
- Hollow Holds
I hope this helps,
Ali