McGill ( fast forward to 51:41 minute ) specifically addressed Jefferson Curls and the risks they may present athletes (excluding gymnasts), concluding that the risks outweighs the benefits.
While seen in some weightlifting and powerlifting programs, this movement can pose some potential risks, and some benefits. Nonetheless, for gymnastic-based athletes, hamstring and spinal flexibility are necessary for elite levels, making this exercise a potentially effective at increasing flexibility and end range of motion. McGill stated that although it conflicts with his findings regarding spinal health and integrity, the inherent demand of the sport may warrant the Jefferson Curl, with an understanding that coaches and athletes may be compromising spinal health and integrity of the tissues, which may have long-term consequences.Ī photo posted by Luke O’Geil on at 9:39am PST Based upon the inherent demands of the sport, coaches and athletes, like Christopher Sommers of Gymnastics Bodies, has been training gymnasts on this move for years. Often seen in gymnastics and acrobatics training programs, the Jefferson Curl is used to lengthen and strengthen the spine, specifically while in spinal flexion. That said, let’s take a look at some specific sports in which Jefferson Curls may or may be advised. His research suggests that for most individuals (excluding some elite athletes who may have to wager spinal integrity for function based upon the sport), excessive training and lengthening or spinal flexion may not be the best option for overall health and athletic performance. Stuart McGill, Professor of Spine Biomechanics at the University of Waterloo and a leading spinal biomechanics researcher has documented that the majority of injuries to spine occur in either flexion or rotation positions, especially under load. A video posted by BodytreeGST – GB Singapore on at 4:52pm PSTĭr.