Why is low ab strength important?
Lower abdominal (low abs) strength is really important for activities of day to day living and even more important if you’re participating in sport or general exercise. Test if you have weak lower abdominals as it can reflect in poor posture, sore lower back and tight hip flexors, legs and glutes.
How to test if you have weak low abs
- Lie on your back with your legs extended up towards the roof with your back softly flat against your hands. Your head and shoulders should stay flat on the floor or mat throughout the exercise.
- Slowly lower your legs towards the floor trying to keep your back softly flattened into your hands througout. The test is over as soon as your lower back leaves your hands.
Note: if you have low back pain, or are unsure of this test in anyway, please do it accompanied by your Myotherapist, Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist.
How did you do? The closer your legs got to the floor without your back lifting, the stronger your low abs are. For activities of day to day living you should aim to get your legs just hovering off the floor whilst your back remains in that softly flattened state. If your legs were anywhere short of this then follow the video below to begin strengthening your lower abdominal muscles.
Play video to prep, activate and get low abs strength!
Let us know how you are going
We love to hear about how people are going with their home exercise programs. Reach out on instagram, facebook or email [email protected] with your progressions, videos and pics on strengthening your low abs!