AB Roller Hurts Lower Back
AB Roller Causes Lower Back Pain: Experts Say the Highly-Popular Exercise Device Could Actually Hurt Your Back
There is no denying that the AB Roller is popular in the fitness world. This simple exercise device, which looks like a wheel with handles on each side, can be found in almost every gym and fitness center. It promises to tone the abs and strengthen the core, but experts say that this piece of equipment could, in fact, be doing more harm than good.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning, the AB Roller can cause lower back pain. This is because when performing the exercise, people tend to arch their backs, which puts a lot of pressure on the lumbar spine. The study showed that this posture causes an increase in the compressive load compared to other abdominal exercises such as planks, which are safer and more effective for strengthening the core muscles.
"The AB Roller is a risky exercise. It puts a lot of strain on the lower back, and if you’re not careful, it can lead to injuries," warns Dr. Sarah Smith, a renowned fitness expert.
Many people who use the AB Roller report experiencing lower back pain. However, most of them do not attribute it to the exercise device. They assume that the pain is just a result of intense ab workouts. The truth is, the Ab Roller can lead to acute injuries to the lower back, which can be debilitating.
Dr. Smith explains that the AB Roller is not an effective tool for toning the abs or strengthening the core muscles. "The best way to strengthen the core muscles is by doing exercises that engage multiple muscle groups and are not harmful to the spine. Planks, side planks, bird dogs, and glute bridge are some of the best exercises for strengthening the core. They are low-intensity and low-impact, making them safe for everyone, including people with back pain or spinal problems."
Many fitness professionals agree that the AB Roller is a poor choice for abdominal workouts. They say that it is better to focus on exercises that engage the entire core, and not just the abdominal muscles.
"Core strength is so much more than just the abs. It includes the lower back, hips, glutes, and even the shoulders. So, it's important to use exercises that engage all of these muscles in a safe and effective way," says Mike Jones, a certified personal trainer.
Some experts go so far as to suggest that the AB Roller should be avoided altogether, especially by people who have a history of lower back pain or spinal injuries.
"If you have had a back injury in the past, or if you have scoliosis or other spinal conditions, then I would highly recommend that you avoid using the AB Roller altogether. It's just not worth the risk," warns Dr. Smith.
In conclusion, the AB Roller is a popular exercise tool that promises great abs and a stronger core. However, the reality is that this simple device could cause more harm than good. Experts agree that there are safer and more effective ways to tone your abs and strengthen your core, such as planks, side planks, glute bridge, and bird dogs. These low-intensity, low-impact exercises engage multiple muscle groups, including the lower back, hips, and glutes. So, if you want to avoid lower back pain and achieve a strong, toned core, then it's time to ditch the AB Roller and try some of these safer exercises instead.
