No More SitUps For the Big Green

[mk3mark]

There are a million better PT exercises than what the standard PT test covers. Search the net (and just like everything else) don't read into the first thing you see. There are some awesome core workouts that don't hurt your back.

[Brahmzy]

Got some links? I have been unable to do much with my core since L5/S1 herniation. Pretty much swimming (rare) and a few other exercises that haven't done much to keep it strong. Used to do 2-5m planks daily before the accident and have been searching for something since that won't cause a flair up. Daily stretches are about it.
Last set of 15 sit-ups I did took me out of work for 4 days and onto a 8 day Prednisone burst.

[Coal Dragger]

I also had an L5/S1 herniation. I started swimming several times each week at the suggestion of my doctor and PT as a good core strengthening exercise and as a way to flex the spine and get blood flowing to that part of the back without putting it under a load. It's made a world of difference, and it's good cardio even if it is boring as hell. Haven't had to resort to surgery, and it's been several years since my last bad flair up.

[Benito]

Thanks Will, those vids give some good ideas for ab work. I've mostly been doing roll-outs with a barbell (cheaper than buying my own ab wheel), and have been looking for other exercises to throw in to the mix.

[chuckman]

I recently saw a video of a film during WWII, one of those mass PT formations with like 500 guys. Flat on their backs, legs flat and straight, coming all the way up and touching their toes. My back screamed after watching that. This is yet another example of what we have always 'known' finally being objectively explained with science.

[DireStraits]

Does not surprise me at all we have become a nation of complete pussies Oh don't do sit-ups you may hurt your back Jesus freaking Christ

There comes a time, if you're lucky, that you have to look at staying stronger longer.....it's about longevity. Pat MacNamara is the one who opened my eyes to this fact.

You obviously haven't reached that age yet or sustained an injury that forced you to rethink the way you train.

IMO, Will is spot-on in this thread.

Thanks for posting-up Will.

[WillBrink]

There comes a time, if you're lucky, that you have to look at staying stronger longer.....it's about longevity. Pat MacNamara is the one who opened my eyes to this fact.

You obviously haven't reached that age yet or sustained an injury that forced you to rethink the way you train.

IMO, Will is spot-on in this thread.

Thanks for posting-up Will.

All good. If interested on some additional intel I have written, see Reducing Musculoskeletal injuries in SF soldiers

[brickboy240]

Back in my early 30s (I am 50 now) I got into a routine where I did 100 sit ups every morning for a few years.

I swear...they did literally nothing for me except hurting my lower back. LOL

I have always thought sit ups was one of the most worthless exercises.

That video was very informative...thanks for posting it!

[WillBrink]

Back in my early 30s (I am 50 now) I got into a routine where I did 100 sit ups every morning for a few years.

I swear...they did literally nothing for me except hurting my lower back. LOL

I have always thought sit ups was one of the most worthless exercises.

That video was very informative...thanks for posting it!

In terms of bang for the buck, sit ups are damn close to worthless yes. They work/over work the hip flexors (which tend to already be tight on most people), pinch your intervertebral discs, and do little for the abs compared to other choices. Me, I want best bang for the buck in terms of risk/benefits to my efforts.

Various planks, correctly done crunches, and a few other choices, and strong abs and associated muscles get stronger while improving spinal stability and functionality is the result.

[rli7275]

When my Dept. went with the IAFF Peer Fitness Program we cut out sit-ups and went to planks. Overall fewer back injuries and better conditioning was the result. Planks are part of the yearly Fitness Assessment too and surprisingly very few guys hit the 4 minute standard. I'm retired now so I'm no longer up on the stats,and maybe more are hitting it now 5 years in. I do them every day still.