Ab Ball Exercises

Achieving perfect posture is just one of the reasons to do ab exercises on an exercise ball. Poor posture such as slouching can make you tired, lead to injuries or cause joint pain, according to the book "Exercise Ball" by Sara Rose. Strong abs support the spine in its natural alignment, which is all good posture means. Slimming and toning your abs so you can show them off year-round is another perk of doing ab exercises.

Basic Abdominals

The basic abdominals exercise strengthens the transversus abdominis muscle, according to Rose. The transversus abdominus supports your spine and lower back. The first part of the exercise is done by placing your calves and feet on a ball while lying on your back. The knees and legs are together and your palms rest on your hip bones. Once you are in position, let your knees fall open toward the floor. Keep the heels touching as the feet turn to the sides. Then, squeeze your abs tight and raise your knees up to return to the starting position. There shouldn't be any movement in your pelvis.

Side-to-Side Reach

The side-to-side reach exercise is done sitting on an exercise ball. Sitting on the ball makes your abs work because the ball is not a stable object to sit on. The oblique muscles are the main target of this exercise as they aid in stability but also move your torso from side to side. Start seated on the ball with your knees bent at right angles and your feet flat on the floor. Sit up tall, squeeze your abs and pull your shoulders back so you are sitting with good posture. Put your hands behind head with your elbows bent. Lean to the right and move your right elbow toward the floor. Then, sit back up straight. Next, lean to the left.

Weighted Twisting Ball Crunch

The weighted twisting ball crunch is performed lying on an exercise ball. The rectus abdominis is responsible for the upward movement of the crunch and the obliques twist your torso. Lie face up on a ball to begin. Hold a weighted plate behind your head with one hand on each side and your elbows bent. The feet are hip-width apart with your knees bent. The ball is under the middle of your back with your shoulders and head draped over the ball. The hips are relaxed on the ball. From this starting position, raise your upper body toward the ceiling and twist your shoulders. Lie back onto the ball and then crunch up and twist your shoulders in the other direction.