http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2009/06/03/stop-doing-sit-ups-why-crunches-don-t-work.aspx

what do y'all think of this article? seems to be some compelling evidence against situps/crunches.

Well, I'd much rather protect my back then do endless sit-ups. I've found the Ab-Lounger machine is a great way to isolate the abs without injury to any part of the spine. I do enjoy a few regular sit-ups but my favorite by far is the ab-workout where I was suspended up-side-down with my legs wrapped around the large bags in the studio -- very fun and very challenging. Overall I agree with any exercise that engages the abdominal muscles while in motion, so when I'm punching a pad I'm hitting it with every muscle in my body including my abs, my thighs, all they way to my toes. Really the look of the body isn't that important, it's how you use it to help others, protect yourself, and make a positive difference in this world.

I love the article!!! I completely agree with it! While situps have their place in function, it's not necessary to do the repeated variations of crunches to get a "strong core." Repeated flexion is particularly bad for any individual who is sitting at a desk or in a car all day. This is because their hip flexors and spine remain in a flexed position all day long, and daily crunches/situps produce more hip flexion and spinal flexion.

Listen to McGill. That guy knows his stuff! I agree with his suggestion of incorporating planks to train the core. This not only adds strength and firmness, but it provides the athlete with the increased stabilization needed to perform ballistic core exercises such as:
Front squat
Back squat
Deadlift
Power squat clean
punching
kicking
grappling
Snatch
Muscle ups
Pull ups
etc.........

And for those who want to get that ripped six pack, I've found that the best overall exercise is Table Pushaways -- yes. that's right. pushing yourself away from the dinner table!!!!

In the Krav level 1 classes I attend, crunches are usually done during the warm-up. I do sit at a desk all day and already have some lower back issues. I usually just do what they say during warmups, but I guess I should choose an alternate exercise to perform when crunches are ordered.

It's possible that might be the case, however Krav Maga brings it's own level of high intensity hip flexion and hamstring recruitment, which is amazing! However, it might be that added stretching would be a good thing to incorporate as well as some core stabilizing exercises.

All I know is Candy had us warm up with "100" ab exercises of our choice on Saturday morning.. So, of course I went all out not thinking about the wrath that she was about to put upon us in the WOD... Not to mention the post-workout Core exercises made me wish I had just done sit ups for the "warm up"! My abs are still hurting (in a good way) and that was 4 days ago.