How to Use an Exercise Ball to Strengthen Abs

Using an exercise ball to target your abs will help you strengthen your abs and stabilize your core. Make this valuable piece of equipment a standard part of your exercise routine to see real results.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Do crunches on the ball. Sit on the ball and walk forward. Then lay back and allow the ball to roll back until it's under your back. Make sure your hips and shoulders are level. Cross your arms across your chest and raise your upper body. Lower yourself back to a flat position and repeat to strengthen your abs.
2. Kneel down in front of the ball. Place your arms before you and rest them on the ball from your elbows down. Tighten your ab muscles and let the ball roll forward. Use your abs to control the ball and your own movement. Let the ball move forward as far as you can, keeping your back straight. Slowly pull the ball back to the original position.
3. Lie against the ball so that it's placed behind your neck and shoulders. Keep your feet flat on the floor and lift your behind off of the ground until you are flat as a board from your knees to shoulders. Slowly return to original position and repeat.
4. Use an exercise ball to strengthen your abs two to three days each week. To complete a routine, do each exercise listed above in reps of 10 to 16 for the best results.

Tips & Warnings

• When doing any ab exercises, be careful to keep your head and neck still to avoid injuries. It's important to isolate the ab muscles in above exercises, rather than the shoulder and neck muscles.