Ab workouts that don't hurt the back

nelson6500

I have osteoporosis. Where my bone density has decreased arthritis has filled in. This is in the lower back and right hip. I am looking for a good ab workout that won't hurt, I have tried several of the machines at the gym and after a short time by back hurts. I am doing light weight.

Any help would be appreciated.

Desperate for a six pack. :happy:

vjrose

Might look into an exercise ball (like the Pilates ones), low impact for your back and good ab workout.

Tarah1218

Ab Vacumes are the only one I can think of that does not use your back. Stay away from anything involving full ROM and leg lifting. Regular crunches might be ok for you if you think about crunching tight as you can but only bringing your shoulder blades off the floor, nothing else.

NoAdditives

Do a Google search for exercises that work your transverse abdominals.

Edithrenee

bump i to have it and i have back trouble and need help in this area also. i used ot could crunch all day now it is never making the belly sore it makes my back ache and feel cold lol

Valtishia

I know this is a different scenario, but it may help. I couldn't do sit ups/crunches when I was bigger because the extra back fat in my lower back pushed and made even doing one or 2 painful. I ended up buying an incline board and it takes all the pressure off of it for me. Maybe see if you can find one to try and see if it helps you any.

Good luck.

JipsyJudy

To work you ABS without hurting your back, you need to learn to brace. The best web site I've found for learning how to brace your back is this one: http://www.military.com/military-fitness/weight-training/why-your-back-hurts.

nightwyrm

I found planks and side planks were a good way to start strengthening my abdominals without flaring my sciatica. Do have a look around and try other isometric core building exercises... there are some good ones that steer away from using the back.

Also, check this out: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/lower-back-pain-10/slideshow-exercises

rileysowner

Crunches are bad for backs which is why I won't do them. Planks and Side planks. Mountain Climbers, Stability Ball Roll-outs would be good I think. At least worth trying. And don't forget to work the muscles of your lower back as well. If you are strong abs and weak back muscles you may have a six pack and still not be able to see it because of muscle imbalance. Bird Dog are good for that.