Adding a yoga ball, also called a fitness or stability ball, to your exercise routine is an effective way to tone your core, according to the Mayo Clinic. Core exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your abdomen, back and pelvis and increase your balance and stability. Yoga balls come in a variety of sizes. For the best fit, choose a ball that allows your knees to bend at a 90-degree angle when you're sitting on the ball with your feet on the floor.
Plank Pike Up
According to Mind Body and Spirit Fitness, the plank pike up works your abdominals and other core muscles. Lie across the ball, placing your palms under your shoulders, straightening your arms and resting your shins on the ball. You should look almost as if you're doing a handstand. Now use your abdominal muscles and legs to slowly roll the ball to your middle. Keep your head down, pull in your abs and lift your hips to form an inverted "V" shape. Hold the ball for one count, then roll back to start. Repeat 10 to 12 times.
Abdominal Crunch
To tone your abs, the Mayo Clinic recommends the abdominal crunch. Sit on the ball with your feet on the floor at hip-width. With a straight back and crossed arms, tighten your abs and slowly lean back. When you feel abdominal tightness, hold the position for three inhales and exhales. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
Core Crunchers
Core crunchers work all of your core muscles, according to the Ask Men website. Kneel on the floor, bend at the waist and place your bent elbows on the ball. Tighten your abdominals and slowly roll the ball forward. Your upper body and thighs should make a straight line. Roll the ball back to the starting position and repeat.
Squat and Reach
The Mayo Clinic recommends the squat and reach core exercise. Hold the ball in front of you with straight arms parallel to the floor. Keeping your back straight, bend your knees without letting them go farther than your feet. Tighten your abs and rotate your body to the left while you reach with the ball. Hold for three seconds, then slowly return to center. Repeat the movement to the right side. You can also do the squat and reach while holding the ball slightly down or up for more variety.
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