![]() ![]() I certainly agree with the notion that muscles should be in balance. A relaxed muscle does not contract (or pull) at all, so an abdominal muscle that is super strong, but is relaxed, will absolutely not pull the torso forward permanently. Muscles don’t stay in a constant state of contraction, regardless of how strong they are. The idea that a back would stay rounded, on the basis of having the abdominal muscle be “too strong” also makes no sense. Backs don’t stay rounded, just because rounding your back is part of the abdominal crunch, any more than elbows stay bent because they did so during a biceps curl. “Rounding the back” occurs when doing an abdominal crunch, but to consider this as “bad”, on the basis that our spine might stay rounded, is like saying that elbow-bending when doing bicep curls is bad, because we don’t want our elbows to stay bent. When muscle contraction (tensing) occurs without shortening and elongation, it’s considered “isometric”, or “static tension” (when there is no movement at all) or “limited range of motion” (when there is very little movement) – and has been shown in numerous studies to be less effective at developing muscle, as compared to isotonic contraction. Muscle shortening and elongation is the basis of “isotonic” exercise – which refers to muscle contraction that results in actual bodily movement. In other words, spinal flexion constitutes “normal anatomical function”. It seems obvious that this design – the positioning and function of the rectus abdominus, and the fact that the spine (as a multi-faceted joint) bends forward, to the sides, and backward, as well as having rotation capabilities – is intended for movement in all those directions. As the abdominal muscle elongates (relaxes), it allows the ribcage and the pelvis to get farther away from each other – which creates (or allows) the arching of the spine. When the abdominal muscle contracts, it brings the ribcage toward the pelvis, or the pelvis toward the ribcage – which creates a curving (or rounding) of the spine. The abdominal muscle (rectus abdominus) has its origin at the base of the ribcage, and its insertion at the pubic bone of the pelvis. Every muscle in the whole body works this way. For example, when the biceps contracts, it bends the elbow (because it crosses that joint), which then moves the forearm. When muscles shorten (contract or flex), they move a limb or other body part, by bending the joint that they pass. The function of any given muscle is to bring its “insertion” closer to its “origin” (i.e., its two ends) – thereby creating movement. Here’s my rationale:įirst – Some Basic Anatomy & Exercise Science I disagree, on all three counts (with the exception of spines that are already injured and are therefore unable to function properly). Permanent forward flexion in one’s posture due to over-strengthening of the abs, and repeated forward flexing of the spine Herniation of the spine due to over-flexing of the spineģ. Wearing-out of the spinal discs due to repeated flexing of the spineĢ. But beyond this, there is a small ripple occurring in the fitness world – possibly instigated by a series of articles (and a book) by Professor Stuart McGill (who, by the way, is notable in his field, but mostly to a sports-specific and a sports-rehab market) – which suggests that the spinal movement involved in ab crunches creates three potential problems:ġ. Of course, it doesn’t help that the name “crunches” sounds like something that would naturally result in damage. ![]() Space saving design: folds flat for easy storage.There is a segment of the fitness population that believes that “ab crunches” are bad for the spine. Workout from a seated comfortable position on your chair or couch. Ideal for beginners to trained athletes, male and female get results. Patented Hinge technology provides variable resistance (with 3 Tension Settings). Great for upper abs, advanced lower/upper abs, lower abs/hip flexors and obliques.Įasily crank up to sculpt definition in to those upper abs, lower abs, even hip flexors and lower back.Ĭomes Fully Assembled (NO Assembly Required). The one stop fat Kruncher you can use anywhere! Get a total body workout in just minutes a day. Two times the benefit of a normal sit up. Burn calories and build lean muscle in just 5 minutes a day! Real people, real resuts! ![]()
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