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November 15, 2011

Another "Waist" of Time




Standing broomstick twists are another exercise that are ineffective and risky, especially for those with lower back problems.  You perform broomstick twists by standing with a broomstick across the shoulders and twisting side to side.  This exercise did not even make the top 13 of best abdominal exercises (http://www.acefitness.org/pressroom/246/american-council-on-exercise-ace-sponsored-study/), and puts stress on the ligaments and connective tissue of the spine.   An even more dangerous variation is the bent over twist; you do the same movement bent forward from the spine, adding forward flexion, and increasing the pressure on the discs.

If you feel you need this exercise for a sport that requires rotational strength such as baseball or tennis, you can make it a little safer by keeping the movement controlled (avoid momentum) and slightly bending your knees.  Avoid the bent over variation.

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