When you think of your core, what muscles do you think of? Most people think of just your abdominal muscles. In fact, your core is your entire mid section...front, back and sides! And it is important to train all these muscles. Only training either your abs or your back, will cause your pelvis to tilt into an unnatural position, causing back pain and even sciatic nerve pain.
So, what should you do, if you don't have access to a gym and weights. Well, I just read an interview done with Dr. Stuart McGills. And, according to him, sit-ups are NOT the answer! (and after reading his explanation...I see how it makes perfect sense!)
Dr. Stuart McGillis is a Professor of Spine and Biomechanics at the University of Waterloo, where his laboratory explores low back mechanics of both injured and uninjured people.
And in his interview he uses the example of a metal wire. How do you break a metal wire with your hands? Simply, bend it back and forth, back and forth until it fatigues and breaks.
Do you see where I'm heading with this? Think of your spine as a wire, and what are you doing with your spine, when you do sit-ups? Exactly! You're repeatedly bending it!
He says that he sees extremely fit athletes, with "washboard" abs...and horrible spinal health!
His advice to a strong core...the 3 simple exercises. I've posted the link to his interview, and it includes the video of the exercises. And let me tell you...they will WORK your core! In the interview he also address how to protect yourself from back pain, if your job involves sitting at a desk all day!
So, ditch the dreaded sit-ups, and try these workouts!
Thanks for stopping by!
Interview with Dr. Stuart McGill:
http://www.healthynomics.com/2010/11/dr-stuart-mcgill-interview-back-health-core-exercise/
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