Question
I have been researching exercises to recover my belly and sore lower back from several pregnancies, and bicycle crunches are considered most effective.
Just for fun I got down on the floor on my back behind my stationary bike and started pedaling. I kept my back flat against the floor, which was hard at first but got easier each session. I felt it in my belly right away, and my back seems more upright now.
I can do this for a long time, and get a cardio workout unlike the actual bicycle crunches. Its kind of like a recumbant bike but I feel it in my belly more.
I would just like your opinion on this please, is this effective or just my imagination?
And if it is working-I think it is, have I invented something! :-0
Thanks!


Answer
Sue,
 I'm not sure how you are lying behind the bike and using it like a recumbent bike.  Are you able to lie behind the bike with your back completely flat and your are able to reach the pedals to make it go around in circles?  As long as your back is completely flat and you are engaging your abdominals the entire time it sounds like it could be effective.  I would love to see a picture of this because the type of bikes we use in our clinic do not have the space behind them for you to lay down and reach the pedals.  I would for prevention sake, stretch your hip flexors after you are done doing this exercise.

Martin