How to Do Abdominal Workouts With an Exercise Ball

Working the abdominal muscles with the use of an exercise ball is a great way to add some variety to your workout. The exercise ball challenges other muscle groups, improves balance and supports the lower back too. Change up your workout and give this exercise a try.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Take some time to become familiar with the exercise ball. Sit on it, roll around on it and get a good feel for it before using it for exercises.
2. Sit on the ball and get balanced. Walk the feet slowly away from the front of the ball engaging the abdominal muscles.
3. Rest the lower back on the ball as the feet walk down and away from the ball. Walk the feet out far enough to move the buttocks off the ball.
4. Bring the elbows up, pointing perpendicular and away from the body. Set the chin as though holding an apple under it.
5. Suck in the abs and crunch up. Find a focal point on the wall and look straight up for a count of 2 or longer. Lower slowly and repeat.
6. Do 3 to 4 sets of crunches. Start with 6 to 8 repetitions when beginning this exercise and work up to 8 to 10. Advance the workout with a more challenging 15 to 20 repetitions.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss this and any other fitness program with a physician before beginning. Talk about nutrition and fitness or weight loss goals and the best approach given the current fitness level.