Using Resistance Bands In Stomach Exercises

Exercise is about working muscle groups, so exercises that do not involve resistance are unlikely to achieve very much at all, and this is particularly true with stomach and abdominal exercises. As a result, using bands can be effective as a component of any exercise routine, stomach exercises no exception.

Resistance bands are found in varying levels, often indicated by color. Green can be used where you want little resistance, yellow for medium, and red for difficult.). It is important that you choose a level which is appropriate, then move up the levels as necessary.

There is a vast number of exercises to target the stomach and abdomen that incorporate the use of resistance bands;

Seated Crunches

This exercise will provide the same basic benefits as standard crunches but with less strain without the discomfort that can come from lying on a hard surface. By using the resistance band it is this rather than gravity that provides the resistance allowing you to exercise the muscles you wish to target.

For this exercise, you need to sit in a straight backed chair. Sit straight with feet flat to the floor about hip-width apart. Contract your stomach muscles, then slowly lean forward to a 45 degree angle. You should feel the resistance from the band as you lean forward against it. Repeat this for a full set. Be sure to keep your feet to the floor, your back as straight as possible.

One-Arm Band Pulls

For this exercise stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart. Put both hands over your head with the resistance band about 18 inches apart. Then keeping your left hand over your head, move your right hand out to your side so that your elbow is bent and your hand is pointing straight up (elbow is about 90 degrees). Lower your arm until your hand is aligned with your chest then hold this position. Repeat for a full set, then switch hands.

Twisting Roll-Backs

For this exercise, you should sit on a flat surface, preferably the floor and we recommend using a mat or a thick towel to ease strain on your tail. Sit with legs bent, heels on the floor. Your toes should point up. Make sure that you do not place your feet flat to the floor. Loop the resistance band round your feet with one end of the band in each hand. Place your hands together then in a rolling motion, lower your torso backwards toward the floor to a 45 degree angle. As you do so twist to the right, at the same time spreading your hands to the sides to increase the resistance. Hold this for a second or two, then raise your torso to the same upright position you started with. Your heels need to stay on the floor during the exercise. Complete a full set to the right before you change to the left then repeat this with a full set to the left.