Crunches vs Roll Ups

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (katie)

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 09:33:15 GMT

I agree, I think body type can play a role as well as what type of a back problem a person may have-tough to do a one size fits all. I was doing modified roll ups and had to let go of them this past spring because of a set back to my lower back and am now trying to get back with it. I use to see Gilad do crunches on FIT TV when we got it and it didn't seem as if he came off the floor hardly at all but yet was still working the ab(I think mostly upper)-it looked pretty safe. Some pilates moves seem like crunch variations to me. Maybe traditional crunches are to extreme(coming up to high) and these variations are overall kinder to the body but still get the work done.

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (Alice Kathleen)

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 02:13:30 GMT

Another factor is leg length. Lever length, in other words. Us short-legged people do not have the weight onthat end to make roll-ups a bit easier. At least, that's my theory! I have a long torso, broad shoulders, and short legs, so the weight is all at one end. Spinal flexibility and whether you have an "inner" or "outer" spine (ie, well padded or bony) is another factor. That is why each exerciser can observe an instructor do a movement, but must be prepared to modify based on our body's limitations. Holding a short bar can be helpful in learning roll-ups. Remember in gym class when someone held your feet down?!

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (megw)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:10:56 GMT

I got Kari's {Curl}7048^ and can't do it any more at all. I think its in the back of my closet but who knows. I agree everyone has different problems/ limitations - . Whats good for me may not be good for you.

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (Dulcy)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:12:22 GMT

I love my Pilates for better bones dvd-they have eliminated all poses that cause problems for the spine for people with osteoporosis in this dvd -and I have no pain with this one..

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (Dulcy)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:10:26 GMT

we're all different-I can do partial crunches but no rollups-go figure!I guess it depends on the back and what/where the damage is.

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (Alice Kathleen)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:11:22 GMT

Hello, 80 per cent of my ab work has been Pilates for last 20 years. I feel there is nothing better. Once in a blue moon, I will do a traditional ab work set, it's good to mix things up, I feel. ANY exercise of any body part that causes discomfort or misalignment should be modified. And, usually, modifications are not that hard to figure out and do, for example, I have to do planks on my elbows due to crappy wrists. But the Series of Five, can't beat 'em!

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (Vantreesta)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:40:24 GMT

Thought about posting this link a couple nights ago, so now that the topic of ab exercises has come up again I figured I might as well. :)

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/bestabexercises/a/all_abs.htm

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (megw)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:43:12 GMT

That's interesting. Years ago I fractured my low back and than developed arthritis. Personally I find that crunches bother me a lot while the roll ups feel great.

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (Dulcy)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:56:52 GMT

for me-this movement causes pain-

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (Dulcy)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:55:57 GMT

rollups shoud be avoided with people prone to back problems or osteopenia or osteoporosis.It puts a lot of pressure on the discs with the rounded forward movement-this is one movement I don't do anymore.

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (MRS)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:34:40 GMT

I agree that roll ups are just as effective as crunches and for me waaay more enjoyable! Pilates type moves are hard to beat on effectiveness if done properly.

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (megw)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:02:13 GMT

Years ago I hurt my lower back. As time goes by crunches bother me more and more. I can do a few but than the ol back kicks in. However roll ups seem to work just fine. And I really feel it in my abs more.

Re:Crunches vs Roll Ups (gemini1412)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:46:33 GMT

I find rollups and teasers.. any pilates related core work much more effective then crunches. I believe it's because the roll up is bigger in rage of motion then a tradtional crunch and the movement is much more controlled.

Crunches vs Roll Ups (katie)

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:55:33 GMT

Every so often I hear or read something about crunches not being good for you. So recently I read from a website put out by a PT that crunches "push internal organs down and can lead to back, leg and foot pain". So what about roll ups and modified roll ups? Are they a variation of crunches and would do the same thing?