MN/PE1 - Tuck-Ups: Hollow back first before raise

Hello,

is it a good idea to press the lower back into the ground before raising in MN/PE1? Same going down again: Is 'rolling back' ok (really try to touch the floor first with lower back)?

 

I just noticed, that the clicking in my lower/middle back is gone if I try go into hollow back position first. But it really didn't hurt, so if the exercise is not meant this way, I can do it as before.

 

Thanks in advance

Personally yes, it's essential for me. You won't reach full compression without hollowing first; at least that is my experience. This is especially true in the following PEs, you'll find that if you don't engage from the beginning, you will get stuck half way up the movement and then have to try and pull in from there, usually resulting in just rounding the upper back rather than using your abdominal muscles.

 

Particularly as you start to tire towards the last reps and sets, it can really help to focus on this initial engagement of your core.

 

Max