[Maliaka]

What is the difference between doing stomach crunches on the floor and doing them while lying on the bed?

I ask because it's obviously more comfortable to do them on the bed, but I was curious what the downfalls/benefits are considering it is such a soft surface.

Thanks!

 

[Thalia]

My first guess is it might strain your lower back muscles or to use other muscles you really should avoid using when trying to isolate the abdominals.

 

[laurie15]

lack of proper support for your back will not only potentially cause strain and problems, but like the other poster mentioned, you won't get (much) benefit.

 

[Maliaka]

Ah, okay, that's good enough for me! Thanks! I'll stick to doing them on the floor.

 

[LadyFaile]

i've tried doing them on the bed and found i was tipping over a lot lol. so i stick to legraises on the bed and then move to the floor for crunches. if you do legraises or whatever just make sure to take your pillow away so you're flat on the bed. but yeah i don't feel any difference when doing legraises on the bed versus the floor, since most of your body stays on the bed i don't think it adds much more strain or anything and i still feel like i'm working the muscles. might depend on how stiff or soft your matress is

 

[GhostUser]

Have you ever thought of getting an exercise ball? They are fun and give extra support for your back!

 

[Spikey_hair777]

bed crunches = bad. you are taking away the pull on your abs and straining your back.

floor is also much quicker.

now, you could bend your knees up over your bed and keep your back on the floor. slowly go up and touch your elbows to your knees. then come down slowly, but only go half way down.

 

[Thalia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by veggiejanie

Have you ever thought of getting an exercise ball? They are fun and give extra support for your back!

And they can allow you to isolate your lower abdominals better. On the floor, it's often hard to do lower ab work without hurting your back. Often I have to build up my back muscles a bit before I can even do some of them.

ETA in another abwork thread,

was posted. It's one of many youtube exercise videos created by one of our own VBers Barry.