Resistance bands can add a degree of difficulty to your abdominal workout. You can also use them in conjunction with other exercise equipment, such as a stability ball. The bands are available from light to heavy resistance, making it easy to choose one that is right for your current fitness level. Their portability and ease of use allows you to take your workout on the road if you need to.
Torso Twist
Loop your band around a sturdy object, for example the pole of a weight machine, the doorknob of closed door, or a post of some kind. Stand sideways and far enough away from the anchor that your band is straight but has no tension on it. To make the exercise a little easier, stand closer to where your band is anchored. Grab the handle of the resistance band with both hands and twist your torso away, pulling the band with you. Keep your arms at lower chest level to help you pull the band with only your torso. Twist at the waist and keep your hips straight. After several repetitions, turn around and twist in the opposite direction.
Wood Chop
Secure the band under your left foot or under a closed door. Stand with your feet shoulder- to hip-width apart, and hold the resistance band with both hands. Moving low to high, extend your arms toward your left foot, bending at the waist, and pull the resistance band diagonally up and over your right shoulder as you return to a standing position. Keep your feet in place. Repeat this wood chopping motion as many times as you like, then use your right leg to anchor the band and chop in the other direction.
Side Bend
Stand with the resistance band anchored under your left foot, and hold the band with your left hand. Keep your elbow and hips straight as you bend your waist toward the right. This is a relatively small movement. Return to your start position, but do not let a sudden release of tension in the band pull you back up. Instead, control the tension yourself and come back to start position slowly. When you are finished with your repetitions, secure the band under your right foot and bend toward the left.
Stability Ball/Band Crunch
To do this exercise, you should already be proficient in stability ball crunches. Attach your resistance band to the doorknob on a closed door, and place your stability ball far enough away that you have a slight slack in the band. Lie back on the stability ball, and instead of placing your hands lightly behind your head, grab the handle of the resistance band. As you perform your crunch, pull the band up with you and lower yourself slowly. For safety, make sure your back is always on the ball and that the ball does not move. To increase the difficulty, simply move the ball farther away from the door.
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