Ab exercises that don't involve lying on the floor?

Question

I don't mind ab exercises, but crunches, sit-ups, etc. hurt my mid/lower back. I had someone watch me do them to see if I was doing them somehow incorrectly. They said my form was great and had no idea why it hurts my back, but it does. Any suggestions ?

Answer 1

I'm like you...crunches, ect hurt my lower back. Try leg lifts. Sitting on the edge of a chair (just a basic dinning chair), arms straight down holding on to sides of chair, tighten your stomach and with your legs bent lift them slowly as high as you can. You can also from the same position, tighten stomach and slowly bend forward and hold for 5 seconds. If your doing them correctly your abs should feel like they are on fire!! lol

Answer 2

Have you tried a pilate ball? They are great. Also, there is one in which you stand and lift your legs using your ab muscles. and even inhaling deeply and holding your abs tight for a few seconds several times a day does a lot. good luck

Answer 3

situps on a decline situp bench. (I use a 45lb weight) If you have a friend, you could pass a medicine ball back and forth while you do situps leg lifts. can be done from a pullup bar & a dip bar. swimming is great for the abs. cuts weight too. especially doing laps in a competion pool

Answer 4

Knee lifts...keep your back straight lift your knees (alternating) up to your chest. Do 15-20 reps.

Answer 5

i do obliques standin up. i had an issue with my lower back from before, for me it was because i had a hump of fat there. hurt like heck! now however what hurts me is my neck. go figure. anywho good luck~!

Answer 6

try the ab-roller the wheel where you are on your knees and roll it out till you chest is slightly abouve the floor.

Answer 7

Use a vertical bench and do leg lifts.