Fitness ball exercises: Good for my abs?
Can I use a fitness ball to tone my abs?
- No name / No state given
Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Edward Laskowski, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.
Answer
Yes! You can do various abdominal and core exercises with a fitness ball. Choose a fitness ball that allows your knees to be at a right angle when you sit on the ball with your feet on the floor. The firmer the fitness ball, the more difficult the exercise will be. Then try the abdominal sit-back: Sit on the fitness ball with your feet resting on the floor, about hip-width apart. Keep your back straight. Cross your arms on your chest. Tighten your abdominal muscles, and lean back until your abdominal muscles kick in. Hold for three deep breaths. Return to the start position and repeat. Start with five repetitions. As you get stronger, gradually increase to 10 to 15 repetitions. Remember to breathe freely and deeply during the exercise.
Reprints and permissions
Home 
