Expert Advice   Print Version Q. Should I lock my feet when doing a sit up? A. Some methods of doing a sit up can actually cause more harm to the low back. The old-style of doing sit-ups with the feet locked under a bar or held by a partner can be unsafe because the larger and more powerful hip flexor muscles can take over if the person has weak abdominal muscles. The psoas major is a large hip flexor muscle with a strong attachment to the front and sides of the lumbar spine. If this muscle overpowers the abdominal muscles, the low back can hyperextend. Overworking the hip flexors can lead to a muscle imbalance of tight hip flexors, tight back extensors, and weak abdominal muscles. This can lead to a back problem and may make an existing back problem worse. It is recommended that a "crunch" exercise be used instead. To do this, keep a safe, mid-line position of the low back. Do not secure your feet, and only do a "partial" sit-up. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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