Low Impact Ab Workouts?

JTick
JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
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?

Replies

  • JulieDerda
    JulieDerda Posts: 163
    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. ... :smile:

    {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. :wink:
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
    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. ... :smile:

    {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. :wink:

    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
    nxd10 Posts: 4,571 Member
    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
    JulieDerda Posts: 163
    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. ... :smile:

    {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. :wink:

    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
    drgndancer Posts: 426 Member
    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
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
    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!
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