Hi! When performing short box abdominal exercises, how much posterior pelvic tilt should I be maintaining? I’m concerned that I may have been excessively tucking my tailbone in an attempt to better recruit my lower abdominals. I’m now experiencing lower back discomfort and significant soreness in my upper glutes. Is there a way to maintain proper abdominal engagement without overemphasizing posterior pelvic tilt?

Hi Amy,

Try focusing on the length in your spine more than how much you tuck. Think of growing tall before you move (lift spine up and out of the hips), then do a gentle tuck while maintaining that active spinal reach. And if you still feel soreness over time, maybe try a flat back variation of a round back exercise. It's also a good idea to see a physical therapist if the issue persists.

Another thing you can try is placing a ball between your thighs and squeezing it as you roll back.

Let me know how it goes!

Thank you Gabrielle! I never had this issue until I decided to “push myself further”. Lesson learned! I will keep your advice in mind once my back is pain free!