Abdominal Exercises With Exercise Band

Exercise bands are also known as resistance bands or stretch bands. They offer flexibility in your workout program because of their portability and because they're available in a variety of resistance levels. Exercise bands add intensity to your abdominal fitness routine, allowing you to increase the rigor of your exercises as your strength improves. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests exercising at least twice a week for strength conditioning. However, consult with your health care provider before beginning any new fitness program.

High Crunches

High crunches practiced with resistance bands target your rectus abdominus, the muscle along the front of your abs, according to SportsInjuryClinic.net. Kneel with your back against a sturdy post or other solid object. Loop the stretch band around the post, level with your head, and grasp the ends of the band in your hands. Tuck in your elbows and contract your abdominal muscles as you crunch forward, pulling the ends of the bands toward your knees. Bring your chest as close to your thighs as possible. Hold, and then slowly return to upright. Repeat the exercise eight to 12 times.

Side Bends

Your oblique muscles traverse the sides of your abdomen. Side bends using stretch bands focus on your right obliques when bending toward the right side and on your left obliques when bending toward the left side, says Frederic Delavier, author of Strength Training Anatomy. Attach one end of the exercise band to a sturdy object close to ground level. Grip the other end in your right hand and stand so the band is to your side, extended in a diagonal line from the floor to your arm. Place your left hand behind your head and slowly bend your torso to the left. Hold, and then return to the starting position. Repeat for eight to 12 repetitions on your left side, then switch hands and repeat with your right obliques.

Torso Rotations

To strengthen and tone your obliques as well as your rectus and transverse abdominus muscles, include trunk rotations in your workout, the American Council on Exercise says. Loop the exercise band around a sturdy post or pole and grasp both ends of the band with both hands. Stand sideways to the post with the band extended at about chest level. Keep your hands fairly close to your body, with your elbows tucked in, as you contract your abdominals. With a slow and controlled motion, rotate your entire torso away from the post. Hold for a count of 10, then carefully return to your original position. Repeat eight to 10 times before changing to your other side.