3 Stability Ball Exercises
There are so many exercise tools on the market today that it is hard to know which ones actually produce results. One that has been around for a long time and really does work is the stability ball. It is a very cheap piece of equipment that can be used for so many things. The stability ball adds another element to your exercise routine-it helps you focus on your core and helps you focus on trouble areas. Here are the three top stability ball exercises which are simple to do yet very effective.
1. The revised push up. This is a good old fashioned push up with a twist. Start by lying on top of the stability ball, balancing on your stomach. Put your hands on the ground in front of you and slowly walk forward, as the ball starts rolling back towards your feet. Stop when the ball is resting comfortable on your thighs. Focus on pulling your belly button in and begin by bending your elbows. Lower your upper body to the floor just as you would when doing a standard push up. Hold for three seconds, and lift your body up again. This exercise is harder than it sounds but if you work your way up to 3 sets of 15 you will no doubt see results in your arms and shoulders.
2. Squat. This exercise is a great way to tone your thighs and buttocks areas and you can even do it while watching tv! Place your stability ball between the wall and your lower back while standing with feet should width apart. Bend your knees and lower down about 10 inches and hold for 3 seconds before coming back to the starting position. The stability ball gives you an advantage over the traditional squat because keeping the ball in place requires you to tighten your core more than you normally would. Work your way up to 3 sets of 15.
3. The ball-pass crunch. Lie on your back, holding the stability ball in your hands above your head. Lift your feet with your knees bent, so your calves are parallel to the floor. Lift your head, neck and shoulders up while doing a crunch and passing the ball so that it is now held in between your feet. Lower your legs, reach your arms back, and then come up again grabbing the ball with your hands. Repeat.
There are so many exercises which can be done with a stability ball. The ball itself only costs about $30 and they last forever. Best of all, you can use them in the comfort of your own home. Try finding a new exercise to do every night and soon you will tone up, lose weight, and have a break from the same old monotonous gym routine.
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