Thera-band ab exercises

[sue320]

I did an ab workout today and realized that I have got to find an alternative to doing ab work. I do not pull on my neck but I still feel it stressed and strained during the workout and no amount of stretching relaxes it. I'm sitting here with it still tight.

I came up with the idea of using the thera-band for some sort of vertical ab training but I haven't been able to find anything online. Can anyone hep? Is there a book maybe?

TIA
Sue<><

 

[Gibbee]

I would try one of those ab rocker things that supports your head OR a towel behind the head (Denise Austin style) OR maybe vertical ab work (such as Kathy Ireland's Absolutely Fit video that has a 10 minute standing ab section on "Wednesday" I believe). Also Taebo has vertical abs in some of the workouts (such as Live Volume 6). I don't know of any theraband options. Perhaps someone else does?

 

[Gibbee]

I would try one of those ab rocker things that supports your head OR a towel behind the head (Denise Austin style) OR maybe vertical ab work (such as Kathy Ireland's Absolutely Fit video that has a 10 minute standing ab section on "Wednesday" I believe). Also Taebo has vertical abs in some of the workouts (such as Live Volume 6). I don't know of any theraband options. Perhaps someone else does?

 

[Debra L]

We use bands in pilates mat class & I think this may help you w/ traditional ab work. Lie on a long band vertically so that your body weight holds the band firmly, & grab the top of the band above your head w/ both hands. When you perform crunches, the band supports your head (still be sure to keep your head, neck & spine in alignment). You could do traditional oblique work by holding band in one hand. For lower abs, you might just chose to keep upper body on your mat.

It sounds like you're tensing your neck even though you're not pulling on it w/ your hands. Consider whether you're overdoing or some other reason why you would tense up.

I don't know of any books or online resources. The pilates instructors at my gym are Stott certified. You might contact Stott & ask if any of there videos use the bands for ab work. The beginner tapes might & she does have a video or 2 that are specific band workouts. The pilates movements might help you adapt your traditional ab work if pilates isn't your cup of tea, or maybe you'll discover it's how you want to do ab work.

Hope you find a solution.

Debra

 

[Alexis52]

I think the ab rocker is a great idea. When I was recovering from neck surgery, I used one at PT. It also helps you to focus on starting the movement with your abs. I know that I THOUGHT I was starting with my abs, but I was really starting the movement by tensing my upper body/neck. An ab rocker is just "another piece of equipment" that most of us don't need to clutter up our area but I would definitely try one out somewhere. You'll be surprised. Alexis

 

[sue320]

Thanks for all of that input! I'm going to reread all of the posts and begin researching what may work for me!

Thanks again!

Sue<><