How to Do a Balance Ball Leg Raise Ball Pass

Adding a balance ball to the familiar leg raise can make the exercise seem new again--and a little more fun. The leg raise tones your core and strengthens your abdominal muscles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start by lying on your back with a mat on the floor and have the balance ball at your feet.
2. Grab the ball with your ankles and bend your knees slightly. Stretch your arms out over your head.
3. Use your abdominal muscles to raise the ball up with your legs. At the same time, lift your arms up above your body. Your arms will meet the ball when it is over your midsection.
4. Pass the balance ball between your feet and your hands and lower it over your head. At the same time, lower your legs but don't let them touch the ground.
5. Return the balance ball back to its position above your midsection while at the same time lifting your legs. Grab the ball with your ankles and lower your legs back down while straightening your arms out over your head.
6. Complete the exercise 12 to 15 times. As a beginner, start by repeating the exercise 8 to 10 times. You should increase the number of repetitions as you get stronger and your fitness level improves. Because this exercise targets so many core muscles, it isn't necessary to start out with a high number of repetitions.