Spinal compression in abmat situps compared to standard situps and other ab exercises?

Asked by: Ana Garcia

Are Abmat sit-ups better?

That’s because traditional sit-ups can create added tension on the hip flexors. Using an Ab Mat helps focus the right muscles and activate them during a sit-up, which can alleviate some pressure that’s put on the hip flexors.

Do crunches compress the spine?

Sit-ups and crunches involve a repeated flexing of the spine. Even on a soft surface, this motion can cause compression of your spinal discs, causing them to bulge and press on nerves. This condition can worsen from back pain to a serious medical condition.

How do you do sit-ups without hurting your back?

Come up to a good comfortable point. And as long as I'm pulling. My ankles towards me and keeping that contraction the hamstrings. I'll. Give much more engagement of the core I'll decrease.

Can sit-ups cause herniated disc?

The typical sit up creates about 700 pounds of compressive force on the intervertebral disc. Doing sit ups repetitively, over time can damage the lumbar discs. Over time, the disc begins to “wear out” and this can lead to disc bulging or herniation.

Should I use AbMat?

And is tapered on one side to be thicker on the other side a lot of people use the AB mat with the tapered side towards their bottom in an effort to when they're doing situps avoid. That kind of

Which AbMat is best?

Best Overall:AbMat Silver



It assists in various exercises that isolate the upper and lower abs, the obliques, and the lower back muscles. This ab mat is contoured towards the lower back for support and injury prevention.

Can I do sit-ups if I have spinal stenosis?

“Maintaining good posture and core strength definitely reduces the forces in the spine which lead to premature degenerative changes.” Most beneficial are flexion exercises such as situps, which bend the spine, Mr. Hagen said. “These are helpful because they open the space in the spinal canal and the lateral foramin.”

Why you shouldn’t do sit-ups?

According to Harvard Health Publications, sit-ups can be very hard on the spine and potentially damaging. If you have ever felt lower back pain and strain during a sit-up, you know this already. A sit-up pushes the curved spine against the floor, and as mentioned earlier, employs the hip flexor muscles.

Are crunches better than sit-ups?

When it comes to which is better, trainers say that crunches are. That’s because sit-ups can hurt your back and be hard on your neck and hip flexors, while crunches isolate your abs more completely. Because of that isolation, they are superior in terms of potential results, too.

What is a substitute for sit-ups?

Planks, barbell rollouts, and swiss ball pikes are a few examples of sit-up alternatives.

What exercises should I avoid with degenerative disc disease?

High-impact activities such as jump training (plyometrics) and high-intensity interval training may be too much for your lower back, especially if you’re still healing. It’s best to stop doing any vigorous, high-impact activities until your doctor gives you the green light.

What is the best exercise for bulging disc?

Sit in a chair with one foot on the floor and the other extended out straight, with the heel on the floor. Straighten the back and lean forward over the extended leg until there is a stretch along the back of the upper thigh. Hold this position for 15–30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat several times.

Are crunches good for spinal stenosis?

They’re also the muscles deep inside the body that, when strong, support the spine and hold the central core of the body together. Because many of these muscles lie so deep within the body, common exercises like crunches, that work only the top layer of stomach muscles, don’t work the core.

Can I do crunches with herniated disc?

If you suffer from lower back pain or have a herniated disc or any lower back pathology steer clear from sit-ups as it can aggravate your back pain. Incorporate McGill’s abdominal exercises into your routine, if you have doubt consult an Exercise Physiologist or a qualified exercise professional.

Are crunches good for back pain?

Try: Partial Crunches



Some exercises can aggravate back pain and should be avoided when you have acute low back pain. Partial crunches can help strengthen your back and stomach muscles. Lie with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cross arms over your chest or put hands behind your neck.

Are crunches good for posture?

Both situps and crunches are helpful for strengthening and developing core muscle. Over time, a stronger core can also improve your posture and reduce your risk of back injuries later in life.

What are the disadvantages of sit-ups?

The Drawbacks

• Sit-Ups Can Lead to Injury When Performed Incorrectly. Part of the reason why sit-ups have a bad reputation is because of the emphasis on spinal flexion, or bending or hunching forward. …
• Sit-Ups Can Reinforce Bad Posture. …
• Sit-Ups Tend to Be an ‘Ego Exercise’

What exercise helps straighten back?

High plank



To do this: Come onto all fours and straighten your legs, lift your heels, and raise your hips. Straighten your back and engage your abdominal, arm, and leg muscles. Lengthen the back of your neck, soften your throat, and look down at the floor.