✅ Safe alternative
Do partial squats with support from a chair or a horizontal bar. You can also use resistance bands to build strength without carrying excessive weight. It’s functional, safe, and equally strengthening.
2️⃣ Classic Abdominal Crunches or Crunches 🤸♀️❌
The famous gym exercise! But raising your torso compresses your lower back, which can cause chronic pain or worsen preexisting conditions, such as sciatica 😬.
🧠 Why is it risky?
Intervertebral disc compression.
Risk of cervical and dorsal contractures.
Does not properly activate the deep core.
✅ Safe alternative
Practice isometric planks on your knees or activate your abdomen with deep breathing (known as the “abdominal vacuum”). It helps strengthen without damaging your core.
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