I like exercising but because I have scoliosis I can't do sit ups. What are some safer ways to do crunches?

Answer 1

Crunches and sit ups are different. You can lay completely flat and just lift the shoulders or feet slightly and work your abs without having to "sit-up"... You might also check your local gym and ask one of the trainers what equipment they recomend for you. There are a couple of machines (not sure what they are called) where I work out that move elliptically and would give you support while you worked your abs... but the gym I use is an extension of a hospital/re-hab facility so that equipment may not be as common in ordinary gyms.


I have scoliosis also... have you had something fused that stops you from doing them? I've never had any problems...

Answer 2

Why can't you do sit ups? I had a 58 degree curve, and I could do sit ups, though I just had surgery in January, so I can't do them now. But anyway, prior to my surgery I went to Physical Therapy for my back and they had me do crunches, and I didn't have any problems with them. They did ice my back when I was done and this helped with my pain. So I suggest doing some crunches, and icing your back when your done to help with any pain you have. Good luck!