Abdominal exercises: Hi Does anyone... - British Heart Fou...

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Abdominal exercises

BaronFrankenstein profile image
16 Replies

Hi

Does anyone know of any good abdominal exercises that dont involve situps or rowing machines as I have sciatica and both those things make it flare up.

Ive been doing leg lifts during my aerobics workout at home like we were shown in cardio rehab class and i can feel some benefit from those, but i wonder if theres any others i can do that arent going to end up crippling me.

Thanks

Steve

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BaronFrankenstein profile image
BaronFrankenstein
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16 Replies
Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

the website of Versus Arthritis is the one I was recommended to go to by my rheumatologist- as I suffer from arthritis.

BaronFrankenstein profile image
BaronFrankenstein in reply to Happyrosie

Thanks i shall have a look at that one.

PinkKizzie profile image
PinkKizzie

Hi Baron, my GP advised Pilates. Classes can be quite expensive, but have a look online. PK.

Lowerfield_no_more profile image
Lowerfield_no_more

Research yoga poses/asanas The Plank, Cobra, and Apanasana (Knees to Chest), and then decide if they are for you., noting that these are all good for strengthening the core amongst other things. But do not overdo it at the start, flexibility and strength come with practice.

Milkfairy profile image
MilkfairyHeart Star in reply to Lowerfield_no_more

I love my yoga 🧘‍♀️ As you say brilliant for strengthening your core muscles, balance and flexibility.

I also find the breathing helps with managing my pain and keeping me calm.

Alternative nostril breathing as well as yoga nidra are my favourites.

DWizza profile image
DWizza

look these up , these are used by weight lifters /athletes/anyone to increase core stability. They are not going to cripple you, they are going to target the right muscles. Leg raises really can hurt the hip flexors and cause more problems than solving a strong core. The McGill Big 3 👍🏻

squatuniversity.com/2018/06...

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime

The Plank is the go to in that case I think, super effective. Just start easy with it as your ability quickly expands

honeybubs profile image
honeybubs

Hi I did the 8 week cardio at my local swimming pool in the gym. I found the gym boring when I went on my own so I’m now doing the Aqua Fit in the pool and it’s really good. It works your muscles in a gentle way and my back has been ok. They also do an induction where you have a computer tablet on the side and it is programmed for each individual to do exercises to suit them. I highly recommend this form of exercise for people with any condition. Good luck.

Harefieldfan profile image
Harefieldfan

yes! Try these. anon.healthline.com/6-s

Showgem profile image
Showgem

Pilates, best to find a good class where the instructor will tailor the exercises according to your individual ability and make sure you’re doing them correctly.

Ardbeg28 profile image
Ardbeg28

Try Bob and Brad. They have hundreds of YouTube videos and quite a few on Ab exercises and sciatica.Here's one example:

google.com/search?client=ms...

They were a help to me when I had really bad sciatica.

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike

some years ago i had very bad sciatica, so bad that i had to step back from my career in nursing - i sought treatment from an osteopath eventually and was given some exrcises to carry out which really helped - i was also told that strong abdominal muscles help to support the spine in the correct position and that i should do exercises to strengthen them once my sciatica had diminished - i did

in the 35 years since then i have had only 2 episodes of sciatica - i support anyone who suggests that you seek proper advise on the right exercises to do for your condition - it turned out to be the best money i ever spent

TAVIshock profile image
TAVIshock

Hi Baron,

I suspect that you already know this but, if not, try the (literally dozens of ) exercise routines for "Seniors" that have proliferated on You Tube.

best

Tavishock

readyabout profile image
readyabout

Pilates, as several others have mentioned, I have found very effective for a number of years, initially to help with arthritis in the lower spine, but now an all over benefit, and fun! A small group is best and I am with a group of 6, try a local search or word of mouth.

cbc0510 profile image
cbc0510

Check out Tom Morrison on his website and you tube, his simple mobility method is really good and progressive so easy to start off with.

TMeditation profile image
TMeditation

you could do worse than getting yourself a hoopla hoop. I found mine was of a huge help in strengthening my core. Good luck! Sue

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