Quick Answers
Isn't the double leg lift a great lower abdominal exercise?
No. The double leg lift is actually a very risky
exercise. This movement requires that both legs be
lifted at the same time. The problem here is that the
exercise is not primarily a strengthener of the
abdominals like many people think, but rather the hip
flexors. Excessively strong hip flexors can lead to sway
back and lower back pain. The reason behind this is that
the hip flexors attach to the pelvis pulling it forward.
Lower back muscles can be become fatigued in this
position thus leading to lower back problems.
An alternative to this is the reverse curl. You lay on your back with shoulder and arms on the floor and pull the knees to your chest, slowly curling up which puts the work on the abdominals. The crunch would be an alternative as well.
Stephen D. Ball, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
Can't Find Your Question Here? Try Searching Our Quick Answer Knowledge Base
Last update: Thursday, December 04, 2008
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
