Most often, chairs are a tool for sedentary tasks, such as working at a computer, eating dinner, or watching Netflix. But they can also be used to level up your level Core strength. Yes, really.
In fact, doing chair exercises for your abs can be a great and relaxing way to show your body some love after spending some time sitting.
The chair also makes a smart workout prop for people new to working out, since many common movements — like push-ups, planks and mountain climbers — can be made less difficult by raising your hands on the chair instead of the floor.
To boot, using a chair can provide tactile feedback that enhances overall core activation. Take TA gearing exercisesFor example: This is a simple but effective core exercise done by Becca Revier, CPT, a personal trainer and Pilates A trainer at Life Time Lakeville in Minnesota asks clients to perform in a chair to hone their ability to stimulate the transverse abdominis (TA), a deep core muscle that stabilizes the spine. The chair is an essential part of your workout, providing tactile support for good form.
Chair exercises are also suitable for people who want to strengthen their midsection but can’t (or don’t want to) stand on the floor to do so. This may include people with mobility restrictions as well as those whose floors have seen cleaner days. (No judgement.)
Essentially, using a chair could make core exercises accessible to more people, Riviere tells SELF. In this spirit, we have compiled 5 great chair exercises that you can do at home to strengthen your abdominal muscles. You can do this as a one-off between Zoom meetings as a way to add more cardio-focused movement to your day, or link it together to form a full-body circuit. Katie Pearson, CPT, a Montana-based personal trainer, suggests starting with three sets of 8 to 10 reps of each exercise. Increase this volume over time as you build your strength.
Last thing: No matter how you do these exercises, make sure you use a firm and sturdy chair. Your swivel chair is no Smart choice here. “You definitely want a chair that will keep you where you want to be,” Pearson tells SELF.
Katie Thompson
