The 7 Best Exercises to Build Abdominal and Core Strength
Looking for an easy way to sculpt your abs? It can be helpful to incorporate resistance training into your fitness routine. Here are some of the best exercises to strengthen your abs and strengthen your core.
Tired of doing planks, crunches, and crunches to strengthen your abs and want to try something new? A combination of resistance training can help build abdominal and core strength. Resistance bands are compact and versatile tools that can help you strengthen your core. These flexible electric plates engage your muscles, pushing them and helping you achieve a cleaner set of abs. Everyone from beginners to fitness enthusiasts can benefit from incorporating exercise into their workout routine. Here’s how to use these exercises to strengthen your abs and tone your core.
7 best resistance band exercises for abs and core
Resistance bands offer a versatile and effective way to strengthen your core. Here are some of the best exercises to incorporate into your routine:
1. Banded crunches
Lie on your back with your legs bent and feet flat on the mat.
Wrap a resistance band around your knees.
Hold the ends of the band in your hands, above your chest.
Perform crunches by lifting your shoulders off the ground and pulling the band inward.
2. Banded Russian twists
Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat.
Wrap a resistance band around your feet.
Hold both ends of the band in your palms.
Lean back slightly and engage your core.
Twist your torso side to side while keeping the band tight.
3. Strap Climbers
Starting in a push-up position, wrap the resistance band around your ankles.
Pull one knee toward your chest and quickly switch legs.
Keep your core engaged throughout your workout.
4. Plank with legs raised
Start in plank position with a resistance band around your ankles.
Lift one leg up to your waist.
Down your leg and back with the other leg.
5. Use bicycle crunches
Lie on your knees with your knees bent and your feet flat on the mat.
Attach protective straps around your knees.
Bring one knee to your chest and extend the other leg.
Simultaneously move your other elbow toward your knee.
Repeat on the outside. This should be done in one repetition.
6. Band cutter
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold one end of a resistance band with both hands.
Secure the end of the band to a sturdy object at shoulder height.
Turn your body and angle from high to low across your body, as if you were chopping wood.
7. Band oblique crunch
Lie on your side with your knees bent.
Attach protective straps around your ankles.
Hold the end of the rope close to the floor with your hands.
Bring your upper body over your knees while pressing on the inner bands.
Something to remember!
Control your body properly to avoid injury.
Adjust the resistance according to your fitness level.
Combine these exercises into one workout for maximum benefit.
Completing these exercises regularly will increase your core strength, stability, and overall health. Also, talk to your doctor before adding these exercises to your daily exercise routine.
Benefits of Resistance Band Exercises
Here are some benefits of the exercise;
1. Develop the core
Unlike free weights or bodyweight exercises, resistance bands force your core to work continuously by providing constant tension throughout the movement. A study published in the International Journal of Multidisciplinary Education Research found that many resistance exercises require you to stabilize your core to maintain excellent form, thus building strength and stability.
2. Strengthen muscles
Resistance bands are more versatile than lifting weights; they train your muscles to both contract and lengthen. By varying your workouts and group work, you can target specific muscles, including your abs, experts say.
3. Reduce injuries
Unlike heavy lifting or mechanics, resistance bands provide consistent performance and efficiency throughout the full range of motion. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that this reduces the risk of complications or illness associated with weightlifting, making it safer for beginners and those returning from injury.
4. Improves flexibility
- Immunity can be used for exercise, which can help you gain more energy. When you incorporate resistance training into your routine, your joints and muscles will become more flexible over time, increasing flexibility and reducing the stress on your muscles.