If you want to spice up your ab routine, try using a yoga ball for inspiration. Yoga balls are soft yet firm spheres made of PVC, which is durable and flexible. The balls can range in size from 14 to 34 inches in diameter. A yoga ball offers support and a variety of exercise options for ab workouts.
Crunches
Crunches are a staple ab exercise that you can do using a yoga ball. Begin by lying on your back on the ball with your arms crossed over your chest and feet resting on the floor. Keep your back straight throughout the exercise. Slowly pull your upper body up about 6 inches from the ball, focusing your eyes on the ceiling. Be careful not to strain your neck as you pull up. You will feel your ab muscles contract as you raise your upper body. Lower yourself back down to the ball and repeat for a total of 15 to 25 reps.
Planks
Planks work your core muscles, including the abs. To perform a plank with the yoga ball, lie on your stomach on the ball, with your arms and legs straight. Your hands should rest on the floor, with your arms holding your upper body up and parallel to the ground. Walk your hands out until the ball is under your thighs. Keep your shoulders above your hands and tighten your abs. Hold for 3 seconds or as long as you can while maintaining your form. Repeat five times.
Abdominal Ball Raise
Abdominal ball raises target your upper and lower ab muscles, offering a comprehensive core strengthening exercise. Begin by lying on your back on the floor. Rest your legs on top of the ball, about hip-width apart. Tighten your abs and squeeze your legs together, lifting the ball off the floor with your legs. Pull your bellybutton in toward your spine, keeping your abs tight. Hold the ball up for 3 seconds. Lower and repeat to do 10 to 15 reps.
Pushups
Pushups work your ab muscles, as well as your triceps, shoulders and chest. To do a pushup with the yoga ball, lie on your stomach on the ball, with your arms and legs straight and and hands against the floor. Walk your hands forward on the floor until the ball is under your thighs. Slowly bend your elbows and lower your chest to the floor. Hold for 3 seconds then push yourself back up to a straight-armed position. Repeat for a total of 10 to 15 pushups.
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