[Evolved]

Suggest ab exercises to her as well. It could be that her ab muscles aren't strong enough so her back is taking on more load than it should. Works the same with basically any front/rear muscle pairs (pecs & lats, biceps & triceps, etc.)

Have her try to stick with exercises that are more upright ab exercises. Roman chair is a better choice than sit-ups.

Also, gluteal exercises that don't put too much weight on the back help as well such as leg extensions pushing back with that foot strap on your foot work well.

[throwaway-1209]

The best ab exercise that I have found is a heavy ass deadlift. Barbell squats are good too. They actually train _core strength_ rather than just abs, which is what you need. The advice is: start with compound barbell exercises like squat and deadlifts, then incorporate others as needed. Don't ignore cardio.

[Evolved]

Agreed but substitute swimming or elliptical for jogging/running as the lower impact will be easier on the back and accomplish the same thing.

[toasterlovin]

Deadlifts and squats, properly performed (and in many instances, performed improperly) are not hard on the back. If you start with an empty bar and add a little weight each time, they will make every part of your back stronger and more resilient to the vagaries of life as a physical being.

[fpgaminer]

> Roman chair is a better choice than sit-ups.

Anything is better than situps, since situps don't actually work the abs and are murder on the back.