Exercise Balls: Core workouts to the max!

I remember the first time I saw a demonstration utilizing the physio ball for rehab. The movements seemed elementary, until I got my dumb ass on the ball. Initially it felt obviously different, but the balance issue can be learned quickly. If you’re new to one of these little marvels, a few sessions will do. Learning proper foot and body position while on the ball can be mastered while providing a serious alternative to your normal abdominal routine.

The selection of ball is limited to what’s available and my suggestion is to avoid the typical ball at the corner sporting good store, unless you want to hurt yourself with the usual collapsing, not so puncture resistant ball. For your sanity and safety, the Duro Pro ball or Sissel ball that has an inflated capability to support a 250 lb male holding a pair of 250 lb dumbbells will more than suffice for most mortals. Now, some starting exercises that can build a good starting foundation can be…

Basic Crunches-Because you have to stabilize your body while performing the crunches, this staple core exercise becomes more challenging and in turn, much more effective. Simply lay down on the ball on your lower back and lift your shoulders and chest up and perform crunches as normal. You will feel the effects immediately and see exactly why exercise balls are such a cherished piece of exercise equipment.

Back Extensions-Again, a simple exercise made more effective by the aspect of the extra stabilization needed to balance yourself while performing the exercise. Simply get on your knees and rest your upper body on the ball. Then, raise your entire upper body a few inches into the air using the muscles in your lower back making sure to stabilize your abs while you breathe continuously.

Elevated Pushups-Don’t think pushups hit your core? Try this version using the exercise ball. Put your feet up on the ball and your hands on the ground and push out a set of 15-20 pushups. If you want to stay balanced on that ball you can bet your core, from your upper thighs, to your lower back, to your abdominals will be working. At one time pushups just hit the triceps chest and shoulders, but by adding the exercise ball, you incorporate your entire core.

Knee Tucks-While in the elevated pushup position, move back so your thighs are resting on the ball. Now, tuck your knees into your chest by rolling the ball towards you. This one simply movement will tax your abs immensely and give you a core workout you won’t soon forget.
Keep in mind, this is a very abridged version of all the exercises you can do using the exercise ball. This handy piece of equipment will allow you to perform an incredible core workout and do it safely at the same time. So, grab a ball and a pump and get to work utilizing one of the most effective abdominal and core workout devices developed in the last 50 years.

Body Weight Exercises for Core Development

Developing a strong functional core should be the goal of any serious athlete. Oftentimes people just want a ripped midsection simply for the aesthetic aspect of it but because just about every movement we make requires the muscles of the core some degree, focusing on this area of the body is extremely important for the overall functioning and health of your entire body. With the multitude of products on the market for working out the core it can be easy to forget that the only thing you need to strengthen this area of the body is, your body.

Using only your body weight to stretch and strengthen your core may not seem as exciting as getting hooked up to the latest exercise gadget that promises you a ripped six-pack in no time at all, but the results are often much more impressive. Simply grabbing a space on the floor and using your body weight for some specific exercises can give you all the core workout you’ll ever need.

One of the simplest and most effective body weight exercises for the core is the basic crunch. Just grab an empty space on the floor and lie down to knock out a few sets of this powerfully effective abdominal workout. By utilizing slight variations while doing crunches, you can twist or position your upper body to be able to hit all aspects of your abdominal muscles.

Another effective body weight exercise for your core is planks. The basic plank requires you to support yourself using your forearms while keeping your back straight all the way down to your toes which are also used to support your body as you stabilize yourself and stay rigid, just like a plank. Holding a plank position for even as little as a minute can make even the most hardened body builder begin to shake uncontrollably. Stabilizing your core muscles and keeping your spine rigid while continuing to breathe throughout this exercise provides an incredibly intense core workout. Variations of planks exist so that there will always be something new to help train your core as you progress and become stronger.

Lying leg lifts or scissors are another popular core exercise. These help to target the area of the upper thighs as well as the abdominals helping to strengthen a larger section of your core. These muscles will help to support your body through all types of functional movements and will give you increased strength in just about every exercise you perform.

The core is not just about your abdominals of course so let’s not forget body weight exercisesfor your lower back like back extensions. One simple way to hit this area of your core is to lay down flat on your stomach with your legs extended and your fingers behind your head. Then, simply raise your shoulders and chest you inches above the ground and hold for a few seconds. This simple movement will work wonders for strengthening your lower back also tying in your glutes along with hamstrings and again help to develop a much stronger core using only your body weight.

The examples above make up just a few of the multitude of exercises that you can do using only your body weight to stretch and strengthen your core muscles. Take some time to investigate some of the other ones out there that will complete theses few and make sure to add them into your regular core training regimen for a more complete core blast!

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