Hanging Ab Straps Exercises

Using straps to perform exercises that condition and strengthen abdominal muscles allows you to avoid the strain of hanging on to a bar. Instead, the body is suspended off the ground by straps fitted under the arms and around the shoulders. These straps are then connected to hooks installed above the exerciser that allow hhim to concentrate on using abdominal muscles to lift his legs and lower body in various positions. Straps are padded for comfort and are created from tough nylon material.

Benefits and Advice When Using Hanging Straps

When exercising with hanging straps, be sure to not rely on any muscles other than your abdominal muscles. Swinging will not strengthen abs, nor will letting your legs do anything. If you are extremely overweight, using hanging straps is not suggested until weight has been significantly reduced. Hanging straps also decrease pressure on the spine when exercising, since the body is not resting on the feet -- it is hanging. In addition, performing ab exercises with hanging straps enhances basal metabolism and contributes to good bone density. Also, straps are affordable, take up little room and are easily transportable.

Knee Raises

Knee raises are good beginning exercises because they are simple and they effectively develop your abdominal muscles so you can perform more difficult motions in the future. To do knee raises, position yourself in the straps using a step stool, then grab hold of the straps. Let your legs dangle for a few seconds before raising your knees slowly up to your stomach. Remember to use your stomach muscles to raise your knees. Do this exercise daily, with the ultimate goal of being able to lift your knees as close to your chin as possible.

Leg Raises

While hanging from the straps, lift your legs at the hips, pulling yourself up slightly while grabbing the sides of the straps. Try to keep your legs straight out in front of you, using your ab muscles to maintain this position until you cannot hold it any longer. Leg raises are probably the best exercise to perform with the hanging strap if you want abs flattened in a short time. After several weeks of performing this exercise, try elevating your legs even higher, with your toes pointing toward the ceiling.

Caution

Before using hanging abdominal straps, seek advice from a fitness professional. A personal trainer will be able to show you how to properly perform these exercises and teach you how to use the straps safely. Additionally, hanging abdominal exercises are for advanced individuals. Make sure you have a solid core strength before attempting these exercises.