Redirecting

Spinal flexion is often defended using selective research, but when examined under real-world loading conditions, much of that literature fails to hold up. Many pro–lumbar flexion arguments rely on low-load, short-duration, or pain-based outcome studies that do not reflect the cumulative stress, fatigue, repetition, or force demands seen in strength training, powerlifting, strongman, or tactical populations. Common limitations in frequently cited spinal flexion research include: • Low-load experimental tasks that underestimate disc and annular strain • Short exposure windows that ignore cumulative tissue damage • Pain or symptom reduction used as a proxy for structural tolerance • Models that fail to account for fatigue-related loss of spinal stiffness More recent biomechanical and motor-control research shows that repeated or sustained lumbar flexion under load reduces spinal stability, increases disc strain, and degrades force transmission, particularly as fatigue accumulates. At Wenning Strength, we don’t argue that the spine never moves — we coach when, how, and why it moves. Our system prioritizes static spinal strength, bracing capacity, and intelligent exercise selection to protect long-term performance and spinal health. Strength should build capacity — not gamble it. ⸻ TIMESTAMPS 🏁🏁 00:00 - Introduction 00:07 - Refuting the Mundt (1993) Study 01:10 - Refuting the von Arx (2021) Study 02:13 - Refuting the Mowston (2021) Study 03:10 - Refuting the Saraceni (2020) Study 04:38 - Absence of pain prediction does not equal endorsement of technique! 4:45 - Follow people who have been training heavy for a long time! 5:02 - Outro ⸻ Key References (APA | 2010–2024) Bergmark, A., & Thorstensson, A. (2018). Spinal control strategies in load-handling tasks. Journal of Biomechanics, 77, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.06.012 Callaghan, J. P., Dickey, J. P., & McGill, S. M. (2011). The relationship between lumbar spine loading and cumulative tissue damage. Clinical Biomechanics, 26(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.09.006 Dreischarf, M., et al. (2014). Comparison of eight published static spinal models under identical load conditions. Clinical Biomechanics, 29(3), 273–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2013.12.008 McGill, S. M. (2010). Core training: Evidence translating to better performance and injury prevention. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 32(3), 33–46. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e3181df4521 McGill, S. M., & Karpowicz, A. (2009/updated use in applied literature). Exercises for spine stabilization: Motion/motor patterns, stability progressions, and clinical relevance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(4), 1186–1193. Navacchia, A., et al. (2020). Lumbar spine loading during lifting: The influence of flexion, load magnitude, and fatigue. Journal of Biomechanics, 102, 109328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109328 Swain, C. T. V., et al. (2020). Repeated lumbar flexion increases disc strain and alters trunk muscle activation. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 55, 102478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2020.102478