Incorporating resistance bands into your workouts tones your abdominal muscles without fancy equipment or fuss. These elastic bands come in various strengths to provide different degrees of resistance. They're inexpensive and easy to stash in a suitcase or purse for a portable workout almost anywhere. Start with a few repetitions and light resistance and work up to more reps and stronger bands as you gain strength and stamina.
Double Crunch
Wrap the middle of your band around a low, stable object, such as the leg of a heavy bench or table. Grasp the free ends in your hands. Lie back on the floor. As you exhale, pull your hands toward your knees and your knees toward your hands. The bands will provide resistance to make the move more difficult. Inhale and return your legs and hands to their outstretched position. Repeat. This exercise works your upper and lower abdominal muscles.
Heel Touches
Attach the resistance band to a low, stable object. Lie on the floor on your back and grasp the free ends of the bands in each hand. Bend your knees and plant your feet flat on the floor. Bring your arms down to your sides. Lift your shoulders from the floor, as if to start a crunch, but bend sideways and move your hand down until you touch your ankle. Straighten. Bend to the other side. The bands provide resistance. This exercise works your obliques.
Seated Crunch
Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Wrap the exercise band behind the chair and grasp one end in each hand. Keep your elbows pressed close to your sides and your abdominal muscles tight as you bend forward until your back is at a 45 degree angle to your knees. Slowly return to an upright position. This exercise works your upper and lower abdominal muscles.
Twist
Fasten one end of the resistance band to a doorknob. Grasp the other end on both hands. Stand facing the doorknob, with your arms extended in front of your. Slowly twist to one side, keeping your arms in front of you. Return to center. Twist to the other side. This exercise works your abdominal and back muscles to help build a strong core.
Member Comments