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| Target Body Part: |
Abs, Shoulders |
| Primary Muscles: |
Rotator Cuff, Anterior and Medial Deltoids (delts), Posterior Deltoids (delts), Rectus Abdominus (abs), Transverse Abdominus, Obliques |
Secondary Muscles:
(Synergists/Stabilizers) |
Trapezius (Traps), Rhomboids, Erector Spinae, Triceps, Pectorals (pecs), Serratus Anterior, Gluteus Maximus (glutes), Gluteus Medius/Minimus (Abductors), Quadriceps (quads), Adductors |
| Equipment Needed: |
Stability Ball |
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Step 1
Starting Position: Lie prone (on your stomach) over the top of a properly-inflated stability ball (one that compresses approximately 6" under your body weight) with both feet and hands on the floor, hip- and shoulder-width apart.
Step 2
Gently exhale, contract your abdominal/core muscles to stiffen your torso and slowly walk yourself forward, lifting your legs off the floor. Continue walking out until your toes, with ankles in dorsiflexion (toes pointed towards your shins), rest on the top of the ball. Maintain a rigid torso aligned parallel with your legs. Retract and depress your scapulae (pull your shoulder back and down) as your reach your end position, with your arms fully extended and hands positioned directly under your shoulders.
Step 3
Curling Phase: Exhale and while keeping your legs fully extended, pull your feet towards
towards your chest, rolling the ball forward as your hips move upwards (think about lifting your rear end towards the ceiling while hinging at the hips). Continue moving until you reach an inverted position where your hips are positioned directly above your shoulders, with your legs, torso and arms fully extended, and head positioned between your arms. Your toes should remain on the top of the ball, but your ankles can move into plantar flexion (toes pointed away from your shins).
Step 4
Lowering Phase: Inhale and slowly lower yourself back towards the floor, returning your body to the starting position.
Avoid arching (sagging) your lower back or hiking your hips upwards in the starting position. Contract your abdominal, back and glute muscles to keep your torso and legs parallel to the floor.
For professional guidance in your exercise program,
find an ACE-certified Personal Trainer in your area. Before beginning any fitness program, always see a qualified healthcare provider for advice and to address any questions or concerns. The exercises presented on this website are for suggestion only and should not be substituted for medical diagnosis or treatment. Participate at your own risk and stop if you feel faint or experience shortness of breath.
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Customer Ratings
Average Customer Rating:
(5 Customer Ratings)
Rated by: Moses (ACE-certified Professional)
Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely
Comments: Great exercise for the abs, but good upper body strength (shoulders) will become evident after a few reps.
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Rated by: mica
Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely
Comments: beautiful form~
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Rated by: jane
Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely
Comments: This looks much easier than it is!
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Rated by: Sherry
Would Recommend this to others?: Most Likely
Comments:
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Rated by: Donna
Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely
Comments: Wow, my favorite!
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