Q) Some of the exercises that we grew up with I am now told are harmful- sit-ups, deep knee bends, leg lifts, toe touching - is that true?
A) Yes, when we all started to embrace fitness in the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were a lot of exercises that we performed at the time that proved over the years - with much repetition - to be harmful and even dangerous. Now that we have been exercising for awhile and many medical studies have been made, safety has become a concern. Sit-ups put a great deal of stress on the back and actually don't achieve flat abdominals. Deep knee bends put stress on our knees and we are warned not to let the knee ever go out in front of the toe (or even the ball of the foot). Toe touching was often performed with straight legs and could also put stress on the knees and the back. Leg lifts, when done properly are effective and safe when the leg is at an angle of 45 degrees or less in line with the body. I still see people performing dangerous moves, so my suggestion is to find a good, certified instructor or trainer who can show you the way to move safely - which is also usually the most effective way to achieve physical fitness.
As always, check with your own healthcare professional before undertaking any diet or exercise program.
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