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Stability Ball Reverse Extensions

5 out of 5 stars
(3 Comments & Ratings)

Target Body Part: Back, Butt/Hips
Primary Muscles: Erector Spinae, Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
Secondary Muscles:
(Synergists/Stabilizers)
Trapezius (Traps), Latissimus Dorsi (Lats), Rhomboids, Serratus Anterior, Transverse Abdominus, Quadriceps (quads), Hamstrings
Equipment Needed: Stability Ball

Step 1

Starting Position: Begin in an all-fours position with your torso on the ball and hands and feet on the floor. Lengthen your legs and stretch your heels to the back of the room. Your hands should be under your shoulders.
Take a few deep breaths. Notice how your abdominals want to rest on the ball when you inhale.
Exhale and pull your abdominals away from the ball. Try to keep them pulled away even when you inhale. This is your abdominal engagement. Try to maintain this engagement throughout the exercise.

 

Step 2

Upward Phase: Gently exhale. With your abdominals engaged, slowly walk yourself forward until your hips lie directly over the top of the ball. With your feet together, lift your legs off the floor until they are in line with your torso. In this position, your body weight is distributed over the ball and supported by both hands placed on the floor. Press and hold your legs together so they move at the same time.

 

Step 3

Lowering Phase: Inhale. Keeping your legs pressed together, and slowly lower both legs back to the floor. Knees should be straight throughout the movement.

Do not bring your legs above parallel with the torso. This will cause your low back to arch.

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

Upward Phase: Gently exhale, contract your abdominal/core muscles to stiffen your torso and slowly walk yourself forward until your hips lie directly over the top of the ball, lifting both legs in unison off the floor until they are parallel with your torso. In this position, your body weight is distributed over the ball and supported by both hands placed on the floor. Press and hold your legs together so they move at the same time. Think about squeezing a quarter between your knees to help maintain the position.

Step 3

Lowering Phase: Inhale and slowly lower both legs in unison back towards the floor while keeping them fully extended.

Avoid hyperextension in your low back by raising your legs past parallel alignment with your torso.


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.







Comments & Ratings

Average Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
(3 Comments & Ratings)

10
Rated by: jane

Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely

Comments: Simple yet powerful move

Reviewed on: 1/15/2009 6:56:51 AM PT
00
Rated by: Sherry

Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely

Comments:

Reviewed on: 1/04/2009 11:08:32 AM PT
00
Rated by: Donna (ACE-certified Professional)

Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely

Comments: More difficult to execute than it looks and definitely great for the butt!

Reviewed on: 1/02/2009 4:24:51 AM PT
 
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