Exercise for the abs and someone who had lower back surgery. - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

Kari7171 · 10-27-2006, 05:02 PM

I'm just wondering the best exercise for the ab muscles that does not bend the back at all. Today I laid on my back and raised me legs up. That seems to really work my stomach muscles. I can't do any twisting of my back or bending over and over with the disc damage I have. I feel fine now but don't want to do ab exercises that could cause a problem. I need to work my abs though to strengthen my core which in turn will help strengthen my back also.

MaxOT26 · 10-27-2006, 09:32 PM

abs exercises by nature require the moving of your pelvis toward your ribcage which in turn bends your back. I dont know how serious your back condition is, but if you have recently undergone surgery then you should be attending physical therapy if not I would definitely ask your surgeon about it.

Kari7171 · 10-27-2006, 09:34 PM

My surgery was over a year ago and never required physical therapy.

MaxOT26 · 10-28-2006, 04:10 PM

Are you still being treated by a doctor? Generally speaking, except for in serious conditions, performing ab exercises are not going to cause damage to your back. Since you have a problem with your back, core strength and stability will go along way in helping you out. There are a number of specific exercises that can be done to improve your core strength. I would suggest that you meet with a qualified personal trainer or even better a strength and conditioning certified physiotherapist to show you some specific exercises for your condition.

Kari7171 · 10-28-2006, 04:21 PM

I haven't seen the surgeon who operated on me for about a year now. My back feels good. I just want to find some exercises I can do at home that won't twist my back too much. The one I started doing seems to work well. I lay on my back with my hands under the couch and lift my legs up and down. My back stays stable on the floor.