How To Use Resistance Bands For Your Stomach Exercises

Incorporating resistance bands into your exercise routine can certainly add an effective edge to it, stomach exercises included. There are several routines that include the use of this exercise equipment to workout your stomach muscles.

First of all, as you may already know, resistance bands come in many colours, and these colours indicate the level of difficulty or levels or resistance for example, red for difficult, yellow for medium and green for easy or little resistance. To begin with, you should choose a resistance level that is the most appropriate for you. You can easily move up when necessary. It is important to note that you should never overdo it by choosing the most difficult level, as this can lead to serious injury. And as always, with any workout routine, do consult with a professional before you begin, and always warm up adequately to avoid injury.

[nms:resistance bands,1,0]

Below are three stomach exercise with resistance bands routines that you can do now.

Seated Crunch
The seated crunch will give you the same benefits and results as the abdominal crunch. However, this is recommended as it puts less strain on your neck and without the discomfort of lying on the floor, since you are using the resistance band instead of gravity. To begin this routine, first sit in a straight back chair with the resistance band looped over your body and the chair. Sit straight and place your feet flat on the floor, slightly apart. Now contract your abdominal muscles and slowly bend forward to about a 45 degree angle. Make sure your feet stay flat on the floor and your back is as straight as possible. Repeat for an entire set.

One Arm Band Pull
In this exercise, start with standing with your feet about hip width apart. Place your hands above your head and hold the band about 18 inches apart. Now while keeping your left hand overhead, slowly bring your right hand to your side, with your elbow bent at about a ninety degree angle. Keep your left arm in place while you contract your abdominal muscles and lower your right arm until it is in line with your chest. Hold this position for a while and then slowly return to your starting position. Repeat this for an entire set, before switching hands. Make sure you keep your back straight and try to avoid leaning or bending at the waist. If you want more of a challenge, you can try to do this while on one foot. First, stand on your right foot, and then try to do it all again on your left foot.

Twisting Roll Back
First sit on the floor. You can opt to use a mat or towel to cushion the strain on your tail bone. Bend your knees and have your heels on the floor. Your toes should point upwards, and your feet should not be flat on the floor. Now loop the resistance band around your feet and put one end in each hand. Put your hands together. In a rolling motion, lower your body towards the floor about 45 degrees. While doing this, twist to your right and spread your hands to the sides. Now hold this position for a few seconds, and then rotate back and raise your body to starting position. Remember to keep your heels to the floor throughout the routine. Do a full set and switch to the other side.

[nms:resistance bands,5,0]

For other exercises with resistance bands, I suggest that you check out the video below: