Exercising with a balance ball will help tighten and tone your muscles while improving your agility. A balance ball -- also known as a fitness ball or an exercise ball -- is a large, air-filled rubber ball that can be used as an exercise tool. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine, especially if you have health problems or injuries.
Overhead Squat
Strengthen and tone your legs with the overhead squat exercise. Stand up straight with your legs at about the width of your hips and hold a balance ball in both hands, in front of your chest. Lift the ball up to the ceiling with your arms completely straight, on either side of your head. Bend your knees into a squat while keeping your arms up in the air. Hold for one breath, then straighten your legs again. While keeping your arms up in the air, squat 15 times.
Reach
Tighten your core and abdominal muscles with the balance-ball reach. Stand up straight with your feet about hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold a balance ball straight out in front of you with your elbows extended. As you engage your abdominal muscles, twist your torso and arms to reach the ball to your left side. Hold the position for three counts, then go back to center. Repeat on the right side, then go back to center. Repeat, alternating sides.
Jump
Tone your legs with the balance-ball jump. Stand up straight with your legs a little more than the width of your hips and your toes pointed out. Put a balance ball directly in front of you on the floor. Bend your knees to lower your body into a squat, then hold the ball with both hands. Press the soles of your feet into the ground as you push up, straightening your legs and jumping as high as possible. Meanwhile, lift the balance ball up over your head. Repeat the exercise eight times.
Sit-Ups
Place a balance ball on the ground, then sit down on top of the ball. Place both feet on the floor at about the width of your hips. Straighten your back and cross your arms in front of you. Place your arms on your shoulders to make an "X" across your chest. Engage your abdominal muscles as you lean backward. Stop when you feel your abdominal muscles tighten, then hold the position for three breaths. Rise back up to a sitting position, then repeat the exercise.
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