Resistance bands or tubes provide a full-body workout for people who can't make it to the gym for strength-training sessions. The bands are inexpensive and portable, making them popular with travelers who want to strength train on the road. Most resistance band exercises require you to tighten your abdominal muscles, providing a thorough core workout.
The Facts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults perform muscle-strengthening activities at least two days each week, concentrating on major muscle groups in the legs, hips, abdomen, back, arms, shoulders and chest. Resistance band abdominal exercises help strengthen the back and abdomen, also known as the core. No matter what muscle group you target with your resistance band workout, you'll always use your core to perform the exercise.
Types
While all resistance band exercises use the abdominal muscles, certain exercises work the area more than others. Cable rotations work the obliques, and you can make the exercise more challenging by attempting it one-legged. Kneeling crunches allow you to work your abdominal muscles without putting as much pressure on your lower back as with a regular abdominal curl or crunch. Exercises such as the hamstring curl and hip abduction primarily work your leg and hip muscles, but also work your abdomen.
Levels
Exercise bands come in a variety of resistance levels, according to the American Council on Exercise. If you're a beginner to strength training, choose a low-resistance band for your first few workouts. Once you can easily complete 20 repetitions of each exercise using your current resistance level, choose a higher-resistance band and continue strengthening your abdominal muscles.
Considerations
If you do not have a variety of different-resistance exercise bands, you can change the resistance by shortening the section of band you are using for your exercise, explains the Sports Injury Clinic website. Shortening the band increases the tension, which make the exercise more difficult and works the abdominal muscles more intensely.
Warnings
Avoid using resistance tubing on abrasive surfaces such as asphalt or cement. Stepping on the tubing on such a surface can cause irreparable damage. If you notice that your resistance tube or band appears worn while working your abs, replace it with a new one to avoid potential injury. Make sure the tubing is anchored and stable before starting an exercise. A loose tube or band can snap up and injure you.
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