Take your ab exercises to the next level.
Before you start incorporating an ab wheel into your workout routine, it's very important to first build up your core strength through basic exercises like crunches or planks."Beginners can really hurt themselves if they use the ab wheel and don't already have some level of core strength," Tibbitt says."Therefore, I don't suggest using the ab wheel unless you've already been implementing core work into your routine.
Lovato agrees."Because the ab wheel is a more difficult version of a plank, I recommend people perfect their plank first before attempting the ab wheel," Lovato tells POPSUGAR. Both experts stress that anyone with an existing injury should be extra mindful when using an ab wheel, since doing it incorrectly or too rigorously could result in further discomfort or damage. The ab wheel also isn't recommended for those with lower back pain or high blood pressure.
There are several ways to use an ab wheel, two of which you've probably seen before. The first exercise, commonly referred to as a kneeling ab wheel rollout, challenges you to push forward, or"roll out" the ab wheel, while in a kneeling position. Then, keeping your core tucked in and your back straight, slowly roll the wheel back in. The second exercise, a more advanced version of the first, instead has you start from a standing position.
Spoiler: you can expect to feel sore after using an ab wheel. That's pretty standard with exercises that focus on new movement patterns or target muscles you don't typically train. However, soreness can also sometimes be a, which Lovato notes is an easy trap to fall into when you're just starting out."Even if you have a strong core, the ab wheel is really challenging," Lovato says.
If you're thinking about"powering through the pain," don't. Tibbitt explains that doing so will only overwork your ab muscles, taking you further away from the results you want. Plus, you could end up injuring yourself, which would only set you back further.