Using ab wheel is a great exercise for training your abs but can be challenging. I added some alternative exercises as well as effective way to train your abs with an ab wheel. If you are still struggling, I will help you during personal training!
How do you train your abs with it?
The idea of training abs with an ab wheel is pretty much the same as doing plank. Your abs are targeted by “not collapsing” and try to maintain the spine neutral position. So your knees to head should be straight to target your abs.
Someone with shoulder pain may find this exercise too challenging. If you feel in pain, then just don’t do it. There are many other ways to work on your abs.
Do you really want to work on you abs?
I see some people (unfortunately, even some personal trainers) do it like the picture above at every end of repetition. With this butt sticking out position, your abs are not trained at all and just resting.
If you want to make this exercise effective, do it with tucking your butt in. This way, your abs has to work to keep the spine neutral.
Alternative Exercise
While performing an ab wheel exercise and your butt has to stick out as well as with small range motion, then ab wheel is too challenging for you. Do roll out with a swiss ball instead. This is also great way to train your abs and I found easier on your shoulders, too. Nothing wrong with starting with easier, then progress to an ab wheel.
Other alternative ways
Using an ab wheel but not on the ground, elevated surface will be one way. Stir the pot with swiss ball is also great exercise for abs. It is similar to roll out but feet are on the ground instead of using knees.
Click here to learn other abs exercise
Click here to see some exercises
during personal training session