As a fitness professional, one of the most common questions I get asked is... "What is the best ab exercise?" While I think that question is good in theory, my answer is this... It depends. Just because one exercise is great for you does not mean it will be great for everybody.
On the flip side, I can tell you what the worse ab exercise is. As a corrective exercise specialist in Gainesville, FL I've worked with tons of people who came to me simply because their issues were exacerbated by exercise.
So back to the worst ab exercise... If you have a herniated disc (posterior) then it is absolutely crucial that you limit lumbar and and thoracic flexion under load. What do I mean by this? Simply, avoid crunches and sit ups (especially with weight) as they can cause the herniation to flare up and potentially warrant surgical intervention if left unchecked.
This is where good exercise programming and corrective kinesiotaping can really help out. You can actually get great results from an exercise program despite the spinal issue.
If you have a spinal or disc issue and are stuck in a rut with your exercise routine, then it's time to call in a Pro. I am passionate about helping people take back their body and fitness despite their orthopedic issues.
You can request a free consultation and orthopedic assessment by calling 352-872-5373. We will help you avoid potentially damaging exercises and create a strategic gameplan for your success.