crunches w/ weights?

bethaudrey
bethaudrey Posts: 40
in Fitness and Exercise
Is it either a bad idea or useless to hold my weights on my abs while doing crunches? don't have a lot of time and want to get the most out of my workout. Can't do plank type exercises as I have a broken toe, and regular crunches don't seem challenging enough on their own...

Replies

  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Crunches are really hard on your back. Try one legged planks for a challenge until your toe heals.
  • Jribeiro86
    Jribeiro86 Posts: 108 Member
    I've seen someone do bicycle crunches while holding weights in each hand. It looked strange to me at the time... But I suppose as long as you're careful and aren't straining yourself or trying to lift more than you can handle, you can probably incorporate weights into nearly any exercise and it'll force your muscles to work a little harder. You might want to consider using bands instead, though... Seems like a safer, more effective way of building resistance.
  • ShiraDarling
    ShiraDarling Posts: 232 Member
    Weighted crunches are great. Here's a list of some other really good ab exercises.
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder/lookup/filter/muscle/id/13/muscle/abdominals
  • moustache_flavored_lube
    moustache_flavored_lube Posts: 849 Member
    I regularly do decline situps with a 45 lb weight. I don't notice any issues with my back, and it builds noticible strength. Most gyms have an ab machine where you can work with weights as well.
  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    I do full sit ups/twists with weights and really love the feeling. I would not do a one legged plank with a broken toe. If you went off balance for a second, your reflex would be to drop the other leg down quickly. That wouldn't feel nice on a broken toe.
  • kcallas88
    kcallas88 Posts: 192
    Bumo
  • baldzach
    baldzach Posts: 1,841 Member
    I do twisting sit ups on an incline bench with a 20lb plate as a regular part of my weights routine. The further from your hips you hold the weight the more resistance it's going to give you, like a simple lever.
  • bethaudrey
    bethaudrey Posts: 40
    Thanks, all. Shira, great link!!!

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