Some of you probably know about Dr. Stuart McGill, at Waterloo University, a prominent figure in the biomechanics and 'health' of the spine.
Through out his career, he has advocated the evil that is flexion, in relation to the spine; the exercises known as crunch and sit up.
Instead, he has shown that the optimum way to train the core (Rectus, transverse and oblique) is through stability.
A large number of coaches, researchers and the like have moved away from flexion and have incorporated stability in their programs.
Things like plank, pilaf presses and other anti flexion/anti rotation/anti extension/whatever, exercises.
I know that one of the components of the physical test given by the Canadian Forces is 'crunches'.
I realize that a number of people train for it by doing crunches and/or sit ups.
Oh well.
Here is an interview with Dr. Stuart McGill, conducted by Marc Demers, at t-nation.com.
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/mister_spine
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/mister_spine_part_2
Conference call with Coach Boyle, Nick Tumminello and Charlie Weingroff on whether flexion is bad or not. This is a direct link to the podcast, and it begins about 7 minutes in and goes on for about an hour or so. Sorry for the long link.
http://69.16.184.143:80/g9z6c6z5/cds/p/4/3/b/43b2fc016dbf9154/Episode_41-_Strength_Coach_Podcast.mp3?sid=629b50ef3e9a218e0ab825a3d69ffe50&l_sid=18153&l_eid=&l_mid=1469777&dopvhost=hw.libsyn.com&doppl=d377661b9e688d989e388d98db283526&dopsig=f3262333822e8fdf7e65a86009f242b1
Just thought some people would benefit from this information.
Good day.
Through out his career, he has advocated the evil that is flexion, in relation to the spine; the exercises known as crunch and sit up.
Instead, he has shown that the optimum way to train the core (Rectus, transverse and oblique) is through stability.
A large number of coaches, researchers and the like have moved away from flexion and have incorporated stability in their programs.
Things like plank, pilaf presses and other anti flexion/anti rotation/anti extension/whatever, exercises.
I know that one of the components of the physical test given by the Canadian Forces is 'crunches'.
I realize that a number of people train for it by doing crunches and/or sit ups.
Oh well.
Here is an interview with Dr. Stuart McGill, conducted by Marc Demers, at t-nation.com.
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/mister_spine
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/mister_spine_part_2
Conference call with Coach Boyle, Nick Tumminello and Charlie Weingroff on whether flexion is bad or not. This is a direct link to the podcast, and it begins about 7 minutes in and goes on for about an hour or so. Sorry for the long link.
http://69.16.184.143:80/g9z6c6z5/cds/p/4/3/b/43b2fc016dbf9154/Episode_41-_Strength_Coach_Podcast.mp3?sid=629b50ef3e9a218e0ab825a3d69ffe50&l_sid=18153&l_eid=&l_mid=1469777&dopvhost=hw.libsyn.com&doppl=d377661b9e688d989e388d98db283526&dopsig=f3262333822e8fdf7e65a86009f242b1
Just thought some people would benefit from this information.
Good day.