No, it actually protects the spine. The alternative is to use the hip flectors and since they are directly connected to the lumbal vertebrae, repeatedly strong contractions in psoas major muscles can cause disk damage and low back pain. This is not only related to double poling but also to diagonal striding with a to much upright upper body.
Thanks for your reply @cross-countryskiingper-yvi9028. That's interesting! I was under the impression that flexing the back could lead to disc damage. I tried to emulate this technique on skierg yesterday, and it seems to feel good. So I will experiment a bit more with it.
This is an excellent question. I've read a few debates on this topic on forum at Nordic Ski Lab. I have dialed back the "crunch" position traditionally taught because of some back pain from the flexion. The downside is loss of some power. Oh well!
Hi Per-Øyvind, this is a fantastic video and a perfect explanation of double poling technique. Thanks for making and posting it!
I wish I could do that so well. I will keep working.
Very well explained thank you!
Are you supposed to use this technique at lower speeds (15-20 km/h) as well?
Yes, this is the prinsiples, but the technique is always adjusted to speed and inklination. More «compact» if the speed is lover!
Okay, thank! @@cross-countryskiingper-yvi9028
Does using the stomach muscles to curve the back pose any risks to the spine?
No, it actually protects the spine. The alternative is to use the hip flectors and since they are directly connected to the lumbal vertebrae, repeatedly strong contractions in psoas major muscles can cause disk damage and low back pain. This is not only related to double poling but also to diagonal striding with a to much upright upper body.
Thanks for your reply @cross-countryskiingper-yvi9028. That's interesting! I was under the impression that flexing the back could lead to disc damage. I tried to emulate this technique on skierg yesterday, and it seems to feel good. So I will experiment a bit more with it.
This is an excellent question. I've read a few debates on this topic on forum at Nordic Ski Lab. I have dialed back the "crunch" position traditionally taught because of some back pain from the flexion. The downside is loss of some power. Oh well!