No.
This is a U.S. Army-style sit-up. I do sit-ups with my arms folded across my chest, hands on my shoulders
I’ve thought that for awhile. Now I’ve got a scientific reference to back up my contention. Also from the abstract:
Strength training reduced sports injuries to less than 1/3 and overuse injuries could be almost halved.
You may have other to stretch other than injury prevention. For instance, at times in my life I’ve had mildly uncomfortable aching and tightness in my right gastroc-soleus complex. That’s the large muscle (two actually) of your calf that extends your foot. Stand on your toes—that’s the muscle you’re using. Calf stretching seems to resolve that aching for me.
h/t James Steele II
Diabetic Mediterranean Diet 