How can you exercise your abs if you have a bad back?

Answer 1

First, all the ideas that come after this answer are great. Use whichever one works for you. These are important, and my next tip should only be a supplement to those.

Second, and what I do, is flex. Whenever you're thinking about it, just flex your abs. For example, as I'm typing this answer I'm flexing. When you're in school or at work, just flex under you're shirt. Nobody knows you're doing it, and it works. It's not amazingly fast, but it works. I did this all summer. When I'm at the pool (and I'm there a lot) I have to take my shirt off, so there's a good time to just start flexing your abs. What this does is contracts your muscles. Muscle tone is just a constant contraction of the muscles that becomes involuntary. The more you do it, the more you are training your abs to stay that way. This is literally what you call "muscle memory."

When you have a bad back and want abs dont do sit ups or crunches as u can see ur not getting results. I have been using the " Bender Ball" and I have gotton such great results and I am only 11 years old!

When you have a 'bad back' it is often because you have not developed your abdominal muscles. In fact if you develop and use your abdominal muscles correctly, you may well cure your bad back.

I recommend Pilates to you as it teaches you how to use your abs to support all your movements from a 'Stable centre'and without putting unnecessary strain on your back.

I am a body builder and a few years ago ruptured a disc in the lower back. with my bad back i cant do the regular situp. but can do the more effective slow crunch, also you can lay on your back and do leg lifts, both legs at the same time is too stressfull on the back so I will do one leg at a time while the other is drawn half way up with the foot planted on the ground for support. also it can help to place your hands flat under your buttucks, this takes stress off the lower back as well. your best bet is to stick with slow crunches holding at the top for a second on each rep.

Answer 2

Depends on the severity. You can do light cardio, such as walking on a flat surface. If walking causes problems, you can try swimming, doing exercises in the pool or slow swimming until you work your way up to walking. Stay away from any exercises that involve bending or twisting until you are sure the muscles are strong enough. Light slow stretches that are recommended for your condition would also help, I would see your doctor or a neurologist that can recommend a physical therapist for more details.

Answer 3

If you have a back problem, you don't have to run miles a day, or excessive till you can't walk. You can just walk or do normal/light/easy tasks everyday. You can walk so and so hours a day depending on your choice, or you can lift some weights (a few pounds) slowly. You don't have to work that much, but you also need to check your diet as well. Even though you exercise doesn't mean that you can eat 10 bags of fat a day(literally). You can eat some main meals, but try to not eat snacks, or if you do eat healthy snacks like Trail Mix, etc. Your meals and activity strongly influences your weight. If you have concerns or questions regarding this, go ask your doctor!

Answer 4

Aerobic exercise can get the blood flowing to your back muscles, which can really help them recover from injury and increase their strength.

Answer 5

Elyptical