They're keen to get their 'core' sorted out and feel that sit-ups might be a good way to achieve this. All Chiropractors would disabuse their patients of this notion, so this is a message to those of you out there who haven't yet heard.

A traditional sit-up imposes about 3300N of compression of the spine. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health set an action limit of 3300N for low back compression in 1983. So why do so many people still do them? You can imagine the cumulative effect a series of full sit-ups will have – especially on an already weak or damaged back. There are many variations of the sit-up that involved bent legs, flat legs, slanted platforms etc. however the issue here is not really which one to choose but to accept that, for most people sit-ups should not be performed at all.

A far better bet would be to focus on the curl-up. Be warned though, do not jut your chin or extend your neck as you do it or you may end up with a problem there too!

Fortunately, all is not lost. A study conducted at the American College of Sports Medicine in 2009 concluded that core stabilisation exercises resulted in a greater increase in sit-up pass rate amongst US Army soldiers during their fitness test than traditional sit-up training itself!

If you are in any doubt about whether an exercise is beneficial or, if an exercise you know is beneficial is hurting, get advice. Chiropractic care is hugely focussed on enabling patients to help themselves correctly. Practise makes permanent, NOT necessarily perfect!