working out your abs with a bad back?

cbourgeois72

I have a bad back and am having trouble finding workouts that tone my abs. i do 500 crunches a day but that does not seem to do anything. does anyone have any ideas?

FightGirl83

You're right crunches will do nothing.
Try core stabilizing moves, planks, side planks, twists, mountain climbers, etc.

Just one example from Men's Health: http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/core-workout-4

Do cardio to lose the belly fat and stay away from processed foods and foods high in sodium to fight bloat.

Good luck!

macnotes

Thanks FightGirl! I've sent the link on to my husband as well.

I too have a pretty weak back, and that makes core exercises hard, but I'm noticing a difference doing planks, twists, side planks, "dead bug" and double crunches.

Ripken818836701

I have a bad back and am having trouble finding workouts that tone my abs. i do 500 crunches a day but that does not seem to do anything. does anyone have any ideas?

Abs are made in the kitchen not built in the gym. Doing crunches is a waste of time unless they are weighted crrunches. Get a 5lb, 10lb, and 25lb plate and an exercise ball. hold the plate behind your head and do 4 sets of 8-12 crunches, if you can do more than 12 increase the weight. Also try squats (without weight) and if your back can handle doing them, slowly add weight.