Stuart McGill, a professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo in Canada, demonstrates a core exercise program that emphasizes all the major muscles that support the spine and prevent injury!
Planks, bird dogs, side planks, TRX planks with pike, etc, are where it’s at for strengthening core/abs and avoiding spinal issues and or making pre existing issues worse… I have not done a crunch in many moons myself.
I’ve been looking at a lot of programs by Alwyn Cosgrove. Good stuff.
Hmm, the most difficlut and demanding ab movements in the gym are the best. Who’d have thought it?
Alwyn’s info is quite good and I bet you wouldn’t go wrong with that core/ab program.
Well no doubt that core ab exercise program is best for back and with these exercise program we can secure our back. I do these exercise program once in a week and suggest everyone to do these program.
After my recent back issues, this is exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks!
Good deal, hope it helps!
Great info, thanks! I’m not big on ab workouts but the wife does crunches and the ball crunches all the time, the one’s he recommends not doing. Will definitely pass this along to her.
Are crunches really bad for you? or are they just ineffective? I’ve heard they’re damaging to your spine but is it true?
How many other proper exercises have you bending and flexing your spine as much as humanly possible?
On the other hand, how many exercises instead require in proper form for you to keep your back upright and arched?
Ummm… Did you watch the Youtube video in the OP? It kind of explains that and answers your questions and stuff…
Following hernia surgery my doc told me specifically to avoid crunches so this will be a great alternative!
Thanks for passing this along Will.
Did you watch the vid? According to Dr McGill, both. Dr McGill has been ahead of the curve in that area for while now, but others in the field with extensive knowledge have generally come to the same conclusions: not very effective, nor particularly healthy for the spine. Seek alternative routes 
Thanks for the video this will definitly help the wife.
My apologies, couldn’t get sound when watching the video. Using the comp at home and the speakers have been out for a while
Good stuff Will, thanks!
As advised by the 5-3-1 book, I’ve been doing hanging leg raises on the dip bars, + flutterkicks.
Will avoid crunches unless my BJJ/MT coaches forces me to do them. 
I’m only assuming here, but only to be helpful…
Has she gotten the memo about “spot-reduction”?
I won’t argue with the doctor, as I agree that repeated bending of the spine isn’t good for your back. However, I’d be curious to know if one can get ripped abs without doing bending exercises. I also wonder if he’s being a little too proactive. Our backs are designed to bend and crunches don’t require much bending.
You get ripped abs by having low body fat. It takes very little in ab workouts to really make the stomach muscles pop out if you are lean.
Personally, I got my six pack by losing weight, and doing both hanging and roman chair leg lifts. Neither of which make the back bend.
BTW, your back is designed to be flexible, not to bend. The flexibility mainly serves to absorb shocks.
Have you ever heard of “alignment” and “lifting with your legs?”.
I was in modern dance in college (hey… it got me laid. A lot) and dance coach would verbally spank us for improper alignment. Very few flexibility moves involve bending the back, and those that do flow slowly and gracefully.
How timely! I need to get on the “ball” (in fact I have a Swiss Ball) once and again in strengthening my abs. I’ve already got deteriorating lower back disc and that sure sucks! I used to do “crunches” hanging upside down over my doorway with them there EZ-Up Inversion System. Now the need to discipline myself with more exercises.