Exercising tummy with weak back

Fozzi43
Fozzi43 Posts: 2,984 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi I have another question for you guys:laugh: ...I have a weak /bad back so doing crunches can be difficult although I can work it a bit, I am keen to tone up my tummy as I know core strength will be good for my back in the long run. I can do around 18 crunches before my back starts to hurt, even though when I do them my back is pushed right into the floor and is no way arched.
My sister has one of those ab crunching machines, 6 second abs, I,ve read reviews and it seems it's not really rated very well...what is your opinion on these machines and is it worth me using one?

Thanks. :smile:

Replies

  • trail_rnr
    trail_rnr Posts: 337 Member
    Soooooo many other things you can do instead of crunches. Crunches are horrible for your back anyway. Every time you crunch, you compress the spine. If you already have a bad back, then it's a recipe for trouble. Also, why not work on your entire core (back, hips) as well? This can only help your back (unless your problem is not related to stability).

    Planks (and pushups on toes or knees) are awesome. Front, side, and back planks. Hold them for as long as you can hold them to begin and use that to set a goal (whether it's 30 seconds or 2 minutes). Supermans either single leg/arm or both legs/arms (Google superman exercise). Bird dog. Bridges.

    If you like using "gear", invest is a physio ball. So many exercises you can do with these! Perhaps you can do some of the ones on this webpage without hurting your back?

    http://exercise.about.com/library/bladvancedball.htm
  • Fozzi43
    Fozzi43 Posts: 2,984 Member
    That,s brilliant..thank you for your ideas, I will give them a go. :smile:
  • GiRlySPORtSADDiCt
    GiRlySPORtSADDiCt Posts: 5
    Have you tried standing crunches? same effect but less harsh on the back. jillian michaels has some pretty effective ones. youtube it. hope this helps.
  • Usa9872001
    Usa9872001 Posts: 27 Member
    Planks are definitely great. And for the back things like the Superman exercise and walk backwards. I sit on an exercise ball at work and it has helped my back and core tremendously.
  • nbsambucca
    nbsambucca Posts: 123 Member
    I have back issues as well. I am surprised I am able to do Shaun T's ab workouts...they are fine. Planks, I agree, are great too. Ive found by doing ab moves it is strengthening my back as well! Superman is rough but works
  • MFPBrandy
    MFPBrandy Posts: 564 Member
    I have several bulging disks in my lower back due to a semi deciding my car needed to be in another lane. Here's what my physical therapist had/has me doing to build core strength -- and it definitely helped.
    - Crunches on a balance ball. Feet wide on the floor, sit down on the ball and lean back. How far back and forward you go is up to you and your back. Works the muscle, but there's plenty of cushioning for the back.
    - Supermans on a balance ball. Tummy down on the ball, lift up your left leg and right arm, extending each out away from the ball. Alternate sides, extending the opposite arm & leg.
    - Planks, both straight down and on the side. He started me on my elbows, but I don't notice that the elbows are easier than straight arms.
    - Laying on your back with the exercise ball held between your feet, lift your legs (holding the ball) up. When you get stronger, reach up towards your feet with your arms, too.
  • Mellie289
    Mellie289 Posts: 1,191 Member
    I have had some lower back issues and gone to a physical therapist. He gave me a number of exercises that included ab work (like some have mentioned) but also squats (back leaned up against the wall and sliding up and down), rows with a dynaband tied to a doorknob (pulling from straight arm into my side) or knotted and placed at the top of the door (pulling down) and lifting a small weight (5 lbs at the time) up and down with a straight arm while standing with my legs slightly apart, knees bent and core engaged.

    I really didn't see how any of these exercises would help my back, but they all engaged my core as I needed to stabilize myself to do the rows and moves, and they really did help my back.

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