Low Impact Ab Workouts?

JTick

I am recovering from knee surgery with complications, and am starting to lose some muscle tone. I have some free weights I can use for my arms, but what can I do for my abs? I can't put any stress on my knee, so things like planks and pushups are out. Also can not do any cardio. Suggestions?

JulieDerda

ABS:: tons of workouts for you abs... All kinds of different kinds of crunches (you lay on the floor and crunch up -straight or to one side or bend at the side.. It's kinda hard for me to explain. ) Or regular sit ups. ORRR.. reverse sit ups..These ab exercise have nothing to do w/ your legs. ...

{copy and paste these links to your address bar (@ the top) }
http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com/ab-crunches.html
http://www.ab-core-and-stomach-exercises.com/how-to-do-crunches.html

as far as cardio did your Dr. say it was okay if you maybe tried a stationary bike or swimming.. I would recommend asking your Dr. wht is safe to do w/ your knee.

JTick

ABS:: tons of workouts for you abs... All kinds of different kinds of crunches (you lay on the floor and crunch up -straight or to one side or bend at the side.. It's kinda hard for me to explain. ) Or regular sit ups. ORRR.. reverse sit ups..These ab exercise have nothing to do w/ your legs. ...

{copy and paste these links to your address bar (@ the top) }
http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com/ab-crunches.html
http://www.ab-core-and-stomach-exercises.com/how-to-do-crunches.html

as far as cardio did your Dr. say it was okay if you maybe tried a stationary bike or swimming.. I would recommend asking your Dr. wht is safe to do w/ your knee.

I had complications with surgery and have blood clots in my leg, so absolutely no cardio until the clots are dissolved. I'm allowed to walk, but I have to build my knee strength back up as right now I'm just getting back to walking normally. I will check the links out, thanks!

nxd10

My mother's ab exercise that works surprisingly well:

Lie on your back. Put 5 books on your abs. Push out as far as you can. Hold 10 seconds. Pull in. Repeat.

You can actually do these anywhere without the weight - it still works remarkably well. Not six pack abs, but very good toning.

JulieDerda

ABS:: tons of workouts for you abs... All kinds of different kinds of crunches (you lay on the floor and crunch up -straight or to one side or bend at the side.. It's kinda hard for me to explain. ) Or regular sit ups. ORRR.. reverse sit ups..These ab exercise have nothing to do w/ your legs. ...

{copy and paste these links to your address bar (@ the top) }
http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com/ab-crunches.html
http://www.ab-core-and-stomach-exercises.com/how-to-do-crunches.html

as far as cardio did your Dr. say it was okay if you maybe tried a stationary bike or swimming.. I would recommend asking your Dr. wht is safe to do w/ your knee.

I had complications with surgery and have blood clots in my leg, so absolutely no cardio until the clots are dissolved. I'm allowed to walk, but I have to build my knee strength back up as right now I'm just getting back to walking normally. I will check the links out, thanks!

Sorry bout that. I read your Original post wrong. :ohwell: I thought you were asking low impact cardio too. Im also sorry to hear about your complications you are having. I hope the best for you :flowerforyou:

drgndancer

Be careful with situps and crunches, despite what Julie said, they do engage the large muscles in the thigh as a secondary effect. The thigh isn't the primary muscle worked, but it's involved. That may or may not put pressure on your knee. I'd try a few and see if it hurts or causes strain in the area of the surgery. Honestly I can't think of too many ab exercises that don't engage the thigh muscles, and don't require special equipment. You're probably fine with crunches, just be careful.

JTick

Be careful with situps and crunches, despite what Julie said, they do engage the large muscles in the thigh as a secondary effect. The thigh isn't the primary muscle worked, but it's involved. That may or may not put pressure on your knee. I'd try a few and see if it hurts or causes strain in the area of the surgery. Honestly I can't think of too many ab exercises that don't engage the thigh muscles, and don't require special equipment. You're probably fine with crunches, just be careful.

Thanks! I did a few variations on crunches earlier, and those felt pretty good on my knee so I think I'll stick with those for now. I go back to my PT tomorrow, so I'll make sure everything I'm doing is good with her. I've asked her for various exercises before, but she's super high-strung and it can be difficult to get her focused long enough to get an answer LOL!