Spine Biomechanics Prof condemns sit-up and crunches

[Katie]

An article in the latest Macleans magazine, Canada's weekly news publication (Jan.18, 2010), states that sit-ups and crunches damage the spine. The on-line version of the article is below.

The man who wants to kill crunches - Health - Macleans.ca

The article is based on the research of Professor Stuart McGill from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. His lab uses real pig spines to compress, shear and bend "to simulate activities such as golf swings and sit-ups, and watch as unique patterns of injury emerge."

He states that "a crunch generates at least 3350 newtons (the equivalent of 340 kg) of compressive force on the spine, and the US National Health Institute for Occupational Safety and Health states that anything above 3300 newtons is unsafe".

See Mom, I told you that gym class was bad for me

[dalhousie]

Katie - That's an interesting article. Along with core exercises I've been led to believe that strong ab muscles help support your back. I've done ab exercises on a ball with my back laid flat on it & then with it tilted. Your back is supported & it's not that severe a crunch as it's a smaller movement than say using an ab roller but your still compressing your spine but maybe not as harshly.

I'd be interested to see what other people say/think.