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Several recent bloggers have weighed in on the review article I co-wrote with Bret Contreras about the potential risks and rewards of spinal flexion exercises. First, the Cooper Institute wrote a post titled Controversy Over Crunches, the Cooper team does a good job summarizing the basic info on the topic. Similarly, my colleague Jonathan Ross wrote an article for the American Council on Exercise titled When Pigs Crunch that also summarized the issue nicely. I encourage you to read both posts.

It’s nice to see that our article stirred up debate on the subject, and that the pendulum has now swung back to center. If you still haven’t read our original article To Crunch or Not to Crunch, you can do so at the link below. Due to the publicity that the article generated, the NSCA has made the article free to view:

To Crunch or Not to Crunch

In case you still aren’t convinced that there’s no such thing as an easy way to get fit, check out exhibit Numero Uno: Reebok to Pay Settlement Over Health Claims. Yep, those ads promising a firmer butt and defined legs ultimately cost Reebok $25 million in false claim damages related to their EasyTone sneakers. A couple of years ago I wrote about this very topic in a previous post, citing the lack of research and common sense in claims that simply wearing a pair of sneakers will provide a good workout. It’s an enticing concept that unfortunately doesn’t have any credence.

Bottom line: Don’t fall for promises of an easy road to a better body. Exercise doesn’t come in a pill, a pair of sneakers, or any other shortcut approach. Getting fit requires hard work and dedication. There’s simply no way around it. Skip the toning shoes and get yourself a gym membership. Put in the effort and you’ll ultimately reap the rewards.

Stay Fit!

Brad