Discover why traditional abdominal exercises like crunches may do more harm than good for children and learn the right way to address protruding stomachs and posture issues.
Many parents notice their child’s stomach sticking out and assume that the solution lies in strengthening the abdominal muscles through exercises like crunches. While this might seem logical, experts warn that crunches may not only fail to address the problem but can even exacerbate existing issues.
The primary issue lies in misunderstanding the cause of a protruding stomach in children. Often, a child’s stomach sticks out not due to weak abdominal muscles but because of poor posture, specifically hyperlordosis—a condition where the lower back arches excessively, pushing the abdomen forward.
Abdominal muscles play a secondary role in stabilizing posture. However, focusing solely on strengthening them through crunches can cause the ribcage to tilt downward into the pelvis. This misalignment can worsen hyperlordosis and fail to flatten the stomach. Additionally, children rarely perform exercises like crunches with proper form, further increasing the risk of posture-related complications.
To address a protruding stomach effectively, it’s essential to strengthen the deeper muscles of the back and lower spine. By stabilizing the pelvis and correcting the alignment of the spine, the abdominal muscles will naturally follow suit, improving posture and reducing the appearance of a “sticking-out” stomach.
Here’s what parents should focus on:
Fixing posture issues and strengthening core stabilizers requires more than a single exercise. Specialized programs, such as those offered in biomechanics-focused courses, are designed to address the root causes of posture-related issues in children.
If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s posture and abdominal appearance, consider consulting an expert or enrolling in structured courses that provide targeted solutions for healthy development.
By understanding the real causes behind a protruding stomach and avoiding ineffective exercises like crunches, you can set your child on the path to better posture and overall health.
