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Work on your posture! Engage your shoulders, draw them towards your spine, straighten your head and neck, and sit up. Also, engage your abs!
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If your ab routine typically consists of things like V-sits and sit-ups, it’s time to rethink your approach. You have five lumbar vertebrae, and each one gives you about seven to nine degrees of motion, for a total of 45 degrees. That means to truly work your core; you need to stay between zero degrees (like a plank) and 45 degrees (like a crunch). From 45 degrees to a full sit-up, you’re engaging your hip flexors, which attach directly to your lumbar spine. Too many reps will not only make your hip muscles sore, but your lower back will start to hurt too.
- In order to help prevent injury incorporate balance and stability exercises to your workout.