by. Charles Trinh, MS, PES, CSCS, ACSM-cPT
The crunch and sit up is the one exercise that majority of Americans have done at least once in their lives. This article is to educate the reader on the potential problems that may arise from improper prescription of sit up and crunching exercises.
A brief look at human anatomy shows that the center of gravity falls in front of the sacrum (low back region). Which means that the body will have a tendency to “fall forward” if there were no muscular support from the back side of the body. The muscles of the back such as the erector spinae and gluteus maximus helps to maintain upright posture.
When an individual does too many sit ups or crunches without doing exercises for their backside a potential injury is waiting to happen. Because the body already has a tendency to “fall forward” coupling this with excessive sit ups will only bring the center of gravity forward even more. This will distort posture and increase the risk of low back pain, shoulder problems and breathing problems to name a few.
The popularity of core training has led to core classes designed to entice the participant to do the newest coolest workout. Little do many individuals know that these classes may be doing more harm than good. One look at a core class shows that the majority of the exercises are for the front of the body. Knowing the above anatomical fact that the center of gravity falls forward of the spine. Do these classes improve function or increase dysfunction?
Are sit ups and crunches bad? They are only bad if they are done in excess and if the back musculature is neglected. Remember having a six pack is no good if all the person talks about is their low back pain.
About the Founder
Charles Trinh, MS, PES, CSCS, ACSM-cPT is the founder of FunctionWorks Fitness and former State Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has over 10 years of formal education and practical experience in the health and fitness field. Charles has earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine and his Masters of Science degree in Exercise Science and Performance Enhancement. He also holds the highest level certifications by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Trainer, Consultant and Educator
Charles is a consultant and educator in health and fitness. His in depth knowledge about the function of the musculoskeletal system and how it relates to exercise performance makes him a sought after speaker locally and nationally. He currently is a lecturer for the American College of Sports Medicine. Some of the private and public organizations that he has worked with are:
University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine
University of Hawaii Department of Health and Exercise Science
Kapiolani Community College Exercise Sport Science Program
Westfield State College
National Strength and Conditioning Association
American College of Sports Medicine
McDonalds Restaurants of Hawaii
Chaminade University
Fitness Resource Associates
Fitness Education Network
YMCA of Honolulu
University Health Alliance
For more information contact:
Charles Trinh, MS, PES, CSCS, ACSM-cPT
808-779-1604
functionworksfitness@gmail.com
