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Are planks safe for stomach strengthening?

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Posted 3/17/2012 8:40 PM (GMT -7)
Hi all,

I am trying to work out more and would like to do some stomach strengthening. But obviously there are problems with doing situps and stuff...I'd just like to know if planks are safe for ostomates. (Planks are those things where you're like in a pushup position and you straighten your arms and just use your stomach muscles to balance there).

Thoughts?

Posted 3/17/2012 9:23 PM (GMT -7)
I don't know but I'd ask this woman - she's a body builder with an ostomy and is incredible:

http://www.facebook.com/FullFrontalOstomy
Posted 3/17/2012 10:08 PM (GMT -7)
I do them, they are part of the insanity cardio abs dvd. The surgeon told me any kind of ab work was fine. the insanity one has a great exercise where all you do is hold your body in a c position, just using your stomach muscles. And there is also one where you that but also add liifting your legs with your stomach muscles. Its on the pure cardio dvd, sean t's insanity workout, I got mine on ebay for like ten dollars. I'm out of commision for a few weeks since I just had surgery, but I was doing it daily for about 2 years or so.
Posted 3/18/2012 6:05 PM (GMT -7)
I've done them and not had issues:)

Since you are a dancer, have you looked into/heard of Callanettics? Super core strengthening exercises (plus every other body part!).
Posted 3/19/2012 3:46 AM (GMT -7)
Equestrian Mom,
No, I haven't heard of that. I will look into it.

Do you mean you've done SIT-UPS and not had issues, or done planks and not had issues?

I'm glad to hear people have done ab work.
Posted 3/19/2012 7:02 AM (GMT -7)
Situps/crunches are crap and are also bad for your back. Planks are very good at building core muscles and lower back muscles (also other muscle groups but that isn't the focus). I don't see why they would be bad for ostomates. I do them all the time. And there are lots of variations.
You could also use an ab wheel.

If you really want to build your core do weighted squats. Lots.

Edit: Forgot deadlifts as well.

Post Edited (NewShinyCD) : 3/19/2012 8:06:24 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/19/2012 7:38 AM (GMT -7)
Yes planks are fine. I do it and have built up over time. Start with an adapted plank on your knees if you're not strong. Any sign of discomfort stop. I've built up to nearly a minute in a full plank on my toes and I'm 8 months post surgery. Good luck!
Posted 3/19/2012 7:40 AM (GMT -7)
p.s. I don't think sit ups are necessarily a problem though. I do crunches and if done correctly, work the abdominals properly and shouldn't affect your back. Also low abdominal exercises by dropping your heels to the floor etc. Just got to keep your back strong and everything engaged.
Posted 3/19/2012 7:54 AM (GMT -7)
Planks are great for me.  I'm almost up to a minute hold....had to gradually get there!  I also do weighted ab excercises...I use a weighted ball or kettleball at the gym.
Posted 3/19/2012 8:29 AM (GMT -7)
Crunches are necessarily "bad" if you do them correctly, but they are an isolation exercise. You shouldn't really concentrate on just your abs, but the whole core and back muscles instead which is what planks do. Deadlifts and squats also good weightlifting exercises for the core and back (and a good bit of other muscle groups) but make sure your stance is correct else you'll just end up hurting yourself.
Posted 12/25/2020 10:19 AM (GMT -7)
I can barely plank, but I think it's really important to learn to do it correctly rather than strive for longer time. http://caneddir.com/2DKG
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