Exercise Ball Workout Routine

Core-strength exercises with a fitness ball

Go ahead—have an (inflatable) ball. When it comes to fitness equipment, there’s little that works your whole body better. To stay on the ball—literally—you’re forced to engage all your muscles, which builds strength and improves stability. This head-to-toe toning routine was designed by Ashley Conrad, a personal trainer and the owner of Clutch BodyShop, in Los Angeles. Do it three times through, three times a week. The Swiss ball gives some distinct advantages over other pieces of equipment or bodyweight alone. It can extend the range of motion on the crunch, activating more ab muscle. It can also create instability, which forces your abs to contract harder to brace your body, and even serve as a source of resistance itself—like a weight—if you lift it. (Don’t think it’s heavy enough to give you a good workout? Try the V-up and pass on the next page and then tell us.) HOW IT WORKS The ball will act as a surface, a weight, and an exercise machine in this workout, recruiting the abs, obliques, and transverse abdominis—a deep core muscle that’s critical to a strong midsection and pain-free back—which most conventional ab workouts leave untouched. Fitness is about being better than you used to be! 6 REASONS to start training: 1. Build yourself a smashing fit body - because there is no greater feeling than looking in the mirror and simply just love what you see. 2. Brag around about your toned muscles - low body fat level, noticeable muscle definition and shape, but not significant muscle size 3. Keep your heart strong and healthy - because your heart is a muscle also and it gets stronger and healthier if you live an active life. 4. A clear and beautiful glowing skin - you don't have to worry anymore about celulite when you're half naked on the beach. No more dimply skin coming out of your swimsuit. 5. Reduce stress, anxiety and fight depression - regular training is the key for your head just as it is for your heart and will relax you, making you calmer, fighting depression and dissipate stress. 6. A happier soul and a bigger smile - you will feel that you are finally doing something for yourself. BONUS: Improve your live life! you know exercise is good for you, but do you know how goof? It boots your energy and improves your mood and exercising regularly puts the spark back into your love life.