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I still hear the question going around Are sit-ups bad for you?

The answer is no, depending on your unique anatomy, exercise experience, and past or existing injuries.

Man performing an abs workout outside

In other words, it’s not black and white but a whole lot of grey.

While some might be sworn off them, others can rep it out just fine.

And yes, sit-ups can build stronger abs.

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But with a never-ending library stacked with thebest core exercises, why settle?

What are rower pike-ups?

Despite the name, you dont need a rowing machine to do rower pike-ups.

Rower Pike Ups Demo | How to do Rower Pike Ups - YouTube

I recommend performing pike-ups on a wooden floor (or similar) so your feet dont get stuck.

Pike-ups start from a push-up position.

Imagine opening and closing a book with the spine of said book mimicking your spine.

Woman performing the pike exercise with feet balanced on a stability ball during studio core workout

A tortured metaphor, but you get the idea.

Weights range from 4-12lbs.

Medicine balls are perfect for weighted core work, strength and conditioning and balance training.

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If you dont have a rower, place your feet on sliders, a ball, or similar.

Are pikes good for abs?

If youre into calisthenics orCrossFit, you might already know your hollow and arches for bar and floor-based work.

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This teaches your body the necessary compression for moves that require it, like muscle-ups.

This will also help you create a hollow shape.

Remember: high hips.

Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat Exercise…

Think about touching the ceiling with your butt without excessively bending your knees or rounding your back.

This can signal youre not engaging your core properly and might have particularly weak or tight hips.

While performing any core exercise, you want to feelit.

manduka PRO Yoga Mat 85…

Take your time to feel every rep, control every phase and dont rush.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat, Size…

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Gaiam Kids' Chomper Yoga Mat…

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Gaiam Stay-Put Yoga Mat…

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Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat Exercise…

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a woman in gym wear lifting her hands in the air and displaying a strong core

Woman performing a crunch with her hands behind her head during lower abs workouts

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