Full situps with legs extended
Great answers. I would say not so much contraindicated as not the best way to overload the trunk flexors and rotators. This is due to the fact, especially if the movement has the ankles secured, that much of the movement is due to overload in the hip flexors–iliopsoas and rectus femoris.
The movement can also place unnecessary stress on the low back.
Take care.
Not really. It depends on the person and what he or she is trying to accomplish with this exercise. If you are familiar with Turkish Get-ups, the first and last part of this exercise requires at least one leg (same side as you hold the kettlebell or any other type of equipment) to be kept extended and flat on the ground. I have done many sit-ups with my legs extended with out any issues. Same goes for some of my more advance clients.
Hi Averil,
I agree with Sue.
A long time ago straight leg sit ups were the go to exercise for abs.
Next thing you know, straight leg sit ups were bad for the back and crunches were ‘the’ abdominal exercise.
Now Jeff’s view holds up: ‘there are no bad exercises but there are bad exercises for some people’.
Straight leg sit ups require perfect form. People will experience pain if:
a) they round the back
b) they put their head down
c) they perform this exercise and have not done any abdominal exercises
in a long time
I do not use this with most people because they tend to have bad form.