Exercises for legs and stomach?

ItsDiana

I'm looking for exercises that will help tone my legs and flatten my tummy a little bit. I'm not very good with ab crunches as it hurts my back a lot, so I'm looking for alternatives... anyone?

schlagers

Have you tried doing crunches on an exercise ball? Maybe that would help cushion your back a little. What type of crunches seem to hurt your back the most? Are the the standard ones? I always hated those!

Squeezalsize10

plank is a good one. front plank and side,

schlagers

Check this out for some exercises if you have back/neck pain

http://www.livestrong.com/article/556669-one-great-answer-what-core-exercises-wont-hurt-my-back-or-neck/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=04252012

wellbert

Do your squats. With weights. Big ones. More every week. Just do them.

contingencyplan

When done with proper form, and with free weights or bodyweight or resistance bands/cables (NOT isolation machines!) ANY lower body intensive exercise will also feature heavy core engagement. Squats, deadlifts, lunges, glute bridges, hamstring curls when done with a ball or suspension trainer, ALL great lower body exercises that also heavily work the core.

lizard053

When done with proper form, and with free weights or bodyweight or resistance bands/cables (NOT isolation machines!) ANY lower body intensive exercise will also feature heavy core engagement. Squats, deadlifts, lunges, glute bridges, hamstring curls when done with a ball or suspension trainer, ALL great lower body exercises that also heavily work the core.

Awesome advice.

I also recommend yoga for increasing muscle strength and flexibility. It has helped me lean out my arms and thighs!

ItsDiana

Thanks for the replies!

Most ab crunches seem to hurt my lower back and sometimes my neck too.

zen_mama

I have back and neck issues as well and have found the exercise ball to be very beneficial. I lay on it on my back and slowly roll backwards til just my hips are supported on the ball (knees bent and feet flat on the ground) and my head is tilted back and hanging a few inches off the floor, then I lift my shoulders and chest til my body is level- hold a few seconds with tight stomach, then relax. It's kind of a reverse crunch and so gentle on my lower back. My chiropractor recommended this exercise for my back and also as a way to stretch my neck and relieve tension in the neck and shoulders. I also do kind of a bouncing squat on the ball to work my legs and inner thighs.

alharbour

Brazil Butt Lift! I started this program about a month ago and it is a super lower body workout that also works your abs. There is a separate ab workout included, called Tummy Tuck. But all the other workouts in this DVD set will work your stomach as well as lower body.