Category Archives: Pilates exercise

What are some good abdominal exercises that don’t put a strain on the lower back?

Question by CGH: What are some good abdominal exercises that don’t put a strain on the lower back?
I need to know of some good ab strengthening exercises that will help also to strengthen my lower back, but without putting alot of stress on the lower back. Thanks for any tips.

Best answer:

Answer by Bl♥ndy: Dark Ash Recipe
Take a Pilates class, or search for videos of it online. I starting doing it over a year ago because I had lower back pain, it not only is the pain gone now but I am starting to get some serious abs. I’m a huge fan.

Give your answer to this question below!

While doing the leg lift exercise, why should my lower back not leave the ground?

Question by RunsOutside: While doing the leg lift exercise, why should my lower back not leave the ground?
I’ve seen many similar instructions for doing leg lifts while flat on your back, esp Pilates double straight leg stretch. But all say to engage the core, lower legs only to 45 degrees, and to not allow the lower back to lift off the ground. Why? Will this disengage a muscle or cause strain? Looking for answer that includes which muscles are affected when back lifts. Thanks!
If my lower back lifts up, exactly which muscle becomes disengaged? Where can I find a diagram?

Best answer:

Answer by Susan S
Lifting the lower back could cause strain, and also it keeps you from isolating the abdominal muscles.

Give your answer to this question below!