Why are we still doing sit-ups?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 21:57:12 -0400

With all of this intellectual capital and research studies at our fingertips, why oh why are we still using sit-ups? The Army already has a hearty bill for back injuries as it is. Don’t we think it’s time to get smarter about fitness? Oh and don’t even think this is coming from a slacker. I’m 35 and I always max!

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/want-a-stronger-core-skip-the-sit-ups

Want a stronger core? Skip the sit-ups - Harvard Health

Sit-ups once ruled as the way to tighter abs and a slimmer waistline, while planks were merely flooring. Now plank exercises, in which you assume a position and hold it, are the gold standard for working your core, while classic sit-ups and crunches ...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 10:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:02:18 -0400

The army is looking at completely changing the PT test so you may get your wish the Sit up is not in the new PT test but we will see.

Response by SSG James Behnke made Oct 27 at 2017 1:18 AM

SSG James Behnke — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:18:04 -0400

Because people with enough rank to institute change don't think it's worth changing.

Essentially though, I don't know. If Seals can do crunches, why cant we?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2017 9:14 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 09:14:39 -0400

2LT Private RallyPoint Member it should change to functional strength tests - deadlift-type movement, push/pull movement, cardio endurance (run/jog), squat-type movement. These are the major functions that the member must perform on a daily basis - lifting, marching, pushing, pulling.
It will take a change in view of this at the very top because that is who is mainly keeping the tests as they are.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2017 7:13 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 19:13:43 -0500

I ask myself the same question every time I destroy my lower back...I can still recall my old CSM saying I was doing sit-ups “wrong” I thought one could only sit up one way...