In an effort to achieve attractive, flat, and well-defined abdominals, many engage in un uncontrolled manner in abdominal exercises. And in the process, a significant number of individuals focus on a cliché exercise that is hazardous to health.
When people begin to “do abs,” there’s an almost unavoidable cliché exercise: crunches. However, these torso contractions with raised knees, feet planted on the ground, and hands behind the head are far from ideal for several reasons.
First reason: Crunches only target the rectus abdominis, often referred to as the “six-pack”: in no way does this exercise contribute to achieving a flat stomach, slimming the waist, or getting rid of love handles…
Second reason: Crunches are dangerous for the back and the pelvic floor. In fact, this exercise (once widely recommended in gyms) triggers a forceful and powerful compression of our internal organs, which pushes against the pelvic floor and lower back.
Third reason: Repeated hundreds of times per week, particularly by the most enthusiastic athletes, crunches can lead to lower back pain, urinary leakage, neck discomfort, or even inguinal hernias.
