The stability bean, a piece of fitness equipment sold through infomercials, functions similarly to a stability ball, but has a shape like a bean. The bean-like shape includes a long and wide body with a convex curve on one side and a concave curve on the other. This provides greater stability than the spherical stability ball, making the bean a good introductory tool for stability-training novices. Almost all stability ball exercises can be modified to work with the stability bean.
Bean Wall Squat
A wall squat tones your thigh and butt muscles. Place the bean's convex side against the wall and lean your back into the other side, holding the bean in place. Step your feet out in front of your body 1 to 2 feet, so your legs extend forward at an angle, your knees straight. Place your hands on your hips and begin bending your knees, lowering your body into a squat position. As you bend your knees, you will feel the bean tilt downward on its rounded edge, assisting you in the squatting motion. When your knees reach a 90-degree angle, press up through your heels and return to the starting position. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Bean Push-Up
This modified form of push-up works your upper body. Place the bean on the ground on its convex side. Kneel on the bean with your knees in the center of the concave curve, your feet should hang off the end of the bean. Lean your body forward and place your hands on the ground in front of the bean. Walk your hands forward until your body forms a straight line from the knees to the shoulders, your hands resting directly beneath your shoulders. Bend your elbows and begin lowering your chest towards the floor. As you bend, you will feel the bean tilt forward, assisting you in the movement. When your elbows form a 90-degree angle, press up through your palms and return to the starting position. Repeat eight to 12 times.
Bean Back Hyperextension
Work your back and ab muscles with this exercise. Place the bean on the ground with the concave side of the bean facing the ground. Kneel behind the bean and lean forward over the bean so that your hips align with the highest point of the curved frame. Your body should rest in a curved position the same as that of the bean. Cross your hands across your chest or place each hand next to your ear. Stabilize your body by pressing your toes into the ground. Tighten your abs and back and lift your torso away from the floor, keeping your legs steady. When your body forms a straight line from head to toe, reverse the movement and steadily lower yourself back toward the ground. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
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