How to Do Side Planks with an Exercise Ball

Side planks are an excellent exercise to work your abdominal muscles and build up your core strength. It requires you to focus solely on the movement and to slowly stretch the muscles in your stomach. In just a few short weeks, you’ll begin to see results and those results will only grow over time. Personal trainers and fitness experts recommend using an exercise ball to increase the effects of the side planks. To do side planks with an exercise ball, grab your equipment and get ready to work those abdominals.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Exercise ball

1. Sit down on the floor with your left leg off to the side and your right leg bent, with the knee touching the floor. Lay your right side against the exercise ball. If you need to alter the routine, sit on the floor with both knees bent and your side resting against the ball.

2. Crunch to the left, holding your stomach muscles in tight. Your waist should bend to the left, with your elbow and head following.

3. Release the motion and return to the ball. Repeat the crunch motion 10 to 12 times for a minimum of three reps.

4. Switch sides and work your right side in the same manner as described above. Your right leg will now be bent and your left side touching the ball.

Tips & Warnings

• To increase the effects, place both feet out to an angle and do not keep a bend in your knees.
• Place your left hand palm against your head, with a bend in your elbows, just as you would with a regular crunch.
• Use a larger exercise ball that can fully support your weight.
• Be careful not to bend too far down because you can pull a muscle.
• Do not lead with your arm or head, but focus on using your waist to crunch your body down.

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