abs workout without back??

[seamonster]

hey people,

problem;
ive tried many different exercises/positions, exercise balls, curling thing etc but 9 times out of ten i end up kaning my back in. then when i find one that works, it seems not to work the next time i try it.

questions;
anyone else have this problem?
does anyone know why sometimes your body uses your abs and sometimes your back muscles (does it depend on how far down your body you curl?), and how to isolate ab muscles?
cheers all

 

[spockafina]

My first thought is that you are using improper form. When doing ab exercises, you have to do them slowly and really focus on using only the stomach.
A note - if you have a weak back, you will have a weak stomach, and vice versa. Don't forget to include some lower back exercises into your weekly work-outs.

 

[Man of Steel]

Hanging leg raises from a pullup bar without your back touching anything put very little stress on your back. Ab exercises can cause back pain if you don't do any exercises for your lower back. Your core probably isn't strong enough for the exercises you're doing so you'll hyperextend your spine and that will give it jip.