How to Get Great Abs With an Ab Ball

Want to look great for swimsuit season or just tone up the mid-section? Incorporating an ab ball into your workout can lead to great looking abs. Here are some moves to get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An ab ball

1. Lay on the ab ball with the ball positioned in the middle of your back and feet flat on the floor. Keep feet 8 to 10 inches apart.

2. Place your hands behind your ears, but keep your head supported by the neck. Bend back slightly over the curve of the ball, inhaling.

3. As you exhale, contract abdominal muscles and lift your body up. Keep eyes focused on the ceiling. Begin with 3 sets of 20 crunches, if you are able. Work up to more repetitions as abs strengthen.

4. To work out oblique muscles, crunch to each side rather than forward. This may seem more challenging since this muscle is typically weaker.

5. To work out lower abs, slide forward on the ball so the upper part of the back is resting on the ball and your butt is closer to the floor. Keeping eyes focused on the ceiling, crunch forward and bring pelvis up towards the abs.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the ab ball is the correct size for your height and weight.
• The abdominal muscle heals quickly and can be included in your daily workout.
• If keeping hands behind your head seems too difficult you can also place them on the opposite shoulder or at the hips.
• If you experience any pain in back or neck, stop immediately.

[iamageniuster]

on 10/19/2008 Great tips. 5 stars! Thanks for sharing.