Quote:
Originally Posted by Jo_Culprit
My daily work out for many months now has been 30 push ups followed by 50 sit ups.
However I recently came across a few articles that seem to indicate that the sit ups were a waste of time 
Exercises that could be harmful | Better Health Channel
5 Great Reasons to Never Do Another Sit-Up Again - Healthy Living on Shine
This is an excerpt from the second link:
"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."
So instead of 50 sit ups a night I'm currently trialling a single 90sec long plank. |
I did Pilates after my son was born and the work out on the "core" was insane. I ended up injuring my back doing all this planking shit....never had that problem with sit ups.
I think any activity, done incorrectly will result in injury. So far the best activity I have found for my belly fat has been running, not crunches or planking or standing on one foot while I tilt to the left while trying to kiss my elbow (pilates can be ridiculous). Push ups are basically planks anyway, just plans in motion so your 30 push ups a day were doing wonders fro your whole core!
I am anxious about winter coming and having to stop running for about 4 months...It means I am going to have to cut down on my food intake which is seemingly impossible for me. I've been at this for 9 months and I am still struggling with how much (or little) food I am allowed on my Weight Watchers plan....grrrr I get bitchy when i'm hungry!