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Superman Is Kryptonite For Your Lower Back

Posted Apr 16 2009 11:55pm 1 Comment

If you could be a superhero who would you be?

Me, I'd be Batman, no question!

He's got the money, the mansion, the cool car, the girls, the crazy gadgets, and wears all black. 

One superhero I don't want you to be like is Superman.

I don't care if you throw on a red speedo, blue tights, and prance around with in a cape...

but DO NOT try to imitate him at the gym.

Many people perform 'The Superman' to strengthen their lower back, BUT...

the exercise is kryptonite for your lower back!





Why is Superman a super no-no? 

  • the compression created in your spine by this exercise exceeds 1300 lbs. of force!
  • Anything over 740 lbs. highly correlates with more lower back injury and pain according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  • This level of force can damage ligaments, joint surfaces and even rupture your vertebral discs.
  • Look below at how it can take your head and neckout of alignment creating potential problems in this area down the road.



Hopefully this is enough information to keep you and Clark Kent out of the phone booth!

Comments (1)
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Disagree, disagree, and disagree again.  I'm a personal-trainer with over 10 years of experience.  The #1 exercise people suffering from lower back pain SHOULD do is the superman.  I've cured the back pain of numerous clients and I've always started them off with supermans.  Yes, you are right that if someone performs the superman to the degree that you show in your pictures, they will generate over 1300lbs of force and can cause further damage, BUT what your pictures are actually showing, and what you failed to mention, is the complete wrong way to perform the exercise.  The correct way to do the superman is to only lift your arms and legs off the ground 2-3 inches.  You start by holding the flexed position for 2 seconds for about 10 sets, and eventually build up to 30 second holds for 3 sets.  If anyone raises their legs, arms, and head as high as the individuals do in your pictures they are sure to hurt themselves.  Lastly, if you feel I"m wrong about this, please tell me how I've cured the back pain of several clients by having them perform an exercise that is "kryptonite" for their back.
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