Why are sit-ups no longer recommended?

Author: Dr. Hulda Abbott IV  |  Last update: Monday, June 23, 2025

One reason is that sit-ups are hard on your back. They push your curved spine against the floor and work your hip flexors, the muscles that run from the thighs to the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back.

Why do we not recommend sit-ups?

Spinal Strain: Traditional sit-ups can put a significant strain on the lower back and spine, especially if performed with poor form. This can lead to discomfort or injury over time.

Why did the army get rid of sit-ups?

Sit-ups was the most failed event of the PRT at SFAS. They stopped doing sit-ups about a year ago, citing injury rates.

What are the disadvantages of sit-ups?

The dangers of doing too many sit-ups can include: Back Pain: Doing too many sit-ups can put strain on the lower back and lead to pain, especially if you have a pre-existing back condition. Strain on the Neck: Incorrect form during sit-ups can put strain on the neck, leading to neck pain or injury.

Why can't I do a sit up anymore?

This could be the sign of a weak core. Although to a certain extent your core keeps you upright and balancing when you walk run jump or do any other form of functional movement, you will lack stability and activation in your deep core muscles when you don't do any work to train the core.

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What exercise burns the most belly fat?

Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.

Are sit-ups bad for your back?

If you don't do sit-ups right, they can put a lot of stress on your lower back, which can cause an injury. Also, if you do sit-ups with too much force, they can put a lot of stress on your neck, which can also lead to an injury. Also, if you already have a condition like a herniated disc, sit-ups can make it worse.

Do sit-ups reduce belly fat?

Unfortunately, sit-ups and crunches can't eliminate visceral fat directly. You can't reduce fat from specific parts of your body by exercising that body part; our bodies simply don't work that way.

How many sit-ups a day is healthy?

Sit-ups are great for your abs, and they don't require special equipment or gym membership. Other core exercises work, too, from crunches to bridges. If you're wondering how many sit-ups you should do a day, the answer is the same for all: about 10 to 12 reps in three sets.

Are planks better than sit-ups?

Jinger Gottschall, assistant professor of kinesiology at Penn State University, whose research on the benefits of planks is considered by many to be primary, says that the plank is a superior core exercise to the crunch or sit-up because it provides “more three-dimensional activation, from hip to shoulder, whereas the ...

How many sit-ups do Navy Seals have?

Navy SEAL fitness test

The minimum requirements are: 500-yard swim: The maximum time allowed is 12 minutes, 30 seconds. Push-ups: You must complete at least 42 push-ups in two minutes. Sit-ups: You must complete at least 52 sit-ups in two minutes.

Are sit-ups bad for your discs?

2. Sit-Ups and Crunches. Traditional sit-ups and crunches can increase pressure on the lumbar spine and worsen a bulging disc.

Why do soldiers do so many pushups?

The push-ups has been used by soldiers for thousands of years, with records dating back as far as Roman times where they were used to prepare for the rigors of combat. For the Australian Army the push-up is a simple and effective tool to assess and train upper body strength within soldiers.

What exercise is better than sit-ups?

In addition, plank exercises recruit a better balance of muscles on the front, sides, and back of the body than sit-ups, which target just a few muscles.

What is the most effective ab exercise?

Bicycle Crunches

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) ranks bicycle crunches as the best ab exercise [1]. This ab exercise activates multiple parts of the core, including the rectus abdominis, obliques, and the hard-to-reach transverse abdominis deep in the core.

Will 20 sit-ups a day tone my stomach?

How Many Sit-Ups Should I Do A Day To Lose Belly Fat? There is really just one simple answer to this: none. Resistance training exercises like sit-ups focus on building your core strength and are not an effective way to burn fat.

Which exercise loses belly fat?

The best types of belly fat exercise combines resistance exercise (such as strength training) and cardiovascular exercise. Resistance exercise can help maintain your muscle mass and your glucose metabolism (the way your body processes sugar and uses it for fuel). This is important for managing your weight.

How long should I plank a day?

But for the best results, aim for two-three sessions a week. Start with 20 seconds per set and two sets per workout, gradually increasing the time to a minute. Then, you can try more challenging variations. Planks are a great coordination exercise for your core, especially when you're working on other muscle groups.

What exercise flattens your stomach the most?

8 exercises to help achieve a flat stomach
  • Results timeline.
  • Plank.
  • Side planks.
  • Toe reaches.
  • Leg raises.
  • Roll ups.
  • Bicycle crunches.
  • Boat pose.

What burns the most belly fat?

Aerobic or cardio exercise

To burn off visceral fat, your first step is to include at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise or cardio into your daily routine. Studies show that aerobic exercises for belly fat help reduce belly fat and liver fat.

How to lose a hanging belly?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

What are the negatives of sit-ups?

It can lead to injury - Many people don't do sit-ups correctly and because of that, they can get hurt doing them. Hunching forward and putting pressure on the lower back can lead to back injuries. They can be bad for posture - If you do sit-ups incorrectly, then they can only work to reinforce poor posture habits.

What is the single best exercise for back pain?

Knee to Chest Stretch
  • Step 1: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Step 2: Use both hands to pull one knee into your chest.
  • Step 3: Tighten your abdominals and press your spine to the floor. ...
  • Step 4: Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

Is planking good for you?

Planks offer many benefits, from increasing core strength to improving posture. The total-body exercise is a convenient yet powerful way to boost your overall fitness. Whether you're a workout newbie or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, you can make planks a staple in your exercise routine.

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