Are Abs Bad for your Back?

Are Abs Bad for your Back?

Abs is how we commonly refer to abdominal exercises. These are typically resistance exercises that can strengthen the core of the body, where abdominal muscles are located. These muscles work supporting and allowing movement in the upper body while acting as a barrier that keeps organs in place inside the abdominal cavity.

By strengthening the abdominal muscles, we are creating a thicker barrier that protects some of the most important organs which are located in this area. 

Other than this, abs have benefits on our overall health. A safe abs routine can help us become stronger especially in the core area, which is key for many activities especially those that involve balance since it is through this area that force is transferred between the upper and lower body. 

Through abdominals exercises, we can also learn how to breathe better as this is an important element in the correct training of abs. Additionally, these exercises can also help us improve our posture and avoid injuries.

If Abs are so Good, Why Does your Back Hurt?

The issue does not lie in training abdominal muscles but in the method. What we know as traditional abs have been proved to harm our back and cause lumbar pain. Traditional abs refer to the classic crunches and sit-ups. Besides potentially injuring your back, this kind of exercise does not strengthen your core since abdominal muscles are not even predominantly used here. 

Instead, experts have some recommendations for a safe abs practice:

• First, you should keep it moderate. Do not exaggerate with abs exercises also because you will strengthen your core better by training your whole body. Therefore, a more complete training will get you better results if your objective is to strengthen the core and tone your abdomen.
• Remember that just like any other training routine, doing proper warming up and stretching sessions before training your abs is essential to avoid injuries.
• Be mindful of the correct way to do each exercise, be careful with the posture, the movements, and the breathing. 
• For training your abs it is also key that your physical practice goes with a balanced diet that supports your goals.
• Instead of traditional abs, try other exercises such as planks, ab wheel rollouts, dying bugs, and other exercises that do not compromise your back when done safely. Adding resistance to your exercises can also make your training more effective. 

It is highly recommended you get an expert’s guidance at the beginning and whenever necessary to make sure you are doing the exercises or always using the equipment for your training correctly. Your lumbar zone should not hurt after doing abs.