Advanced Ball Workout
If you've been working out with an exercise ball for
awhile, you may be ready to try something new and challenging, such as
the following moves which target the abs, back, legs and upper
body. This is a great alternative to traditional ab work or you
can add these exercises onto your other strength training workouts to
add intensity. Make sure you're very comfortable on the ball
before trying these moves and use the modifications given as needed.
Precautions
See your doctor if you have any injuries, illnesses or medical conditions. This is an advanced workout, so be careful!
How To
- Warm up with a few minutes of light cardio
- Many of these moves very advanced and require balance and strength, so
take your time and have patience
- Go slowly and stay in control at all times. If you feel shaky, try a
modification
- Add these moves onto your usual strength workouts or try this workout on
its own for core strength
Lying Leg Extension on the Ball
Get in a bridge position on the ball with head and neck supported.
Put the weight in your right foot as you extend the left leg.
Lower and repeat on the other leg for 1-3 sets
of 10-16 reps on each leg. Make it easier: Hold onto
a wall or place fingertips on the floor for balance.
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Ball Pass
Lie down with the legs straight up place the ball between the feet, squeezing
to keep the
ball in place. Lower the arms and legs down towards the floor.
Bring them back up and take the ball in your hands, lowering the arms
and legs down towards the floor again. Continue, exchanging the ball
between the hands and feet for 1-3 sets of 10-16 reps. Make it
easier: Keep the knees bent and limit how far you lower the
arms and legs.
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Ball Squeeze & Lift
Lie on right side with ball between feet/shins, squeezing it to hold it
in place. Squeeze the ball and contract the abs as you lift the
bottom leg a few inches off the floor. Lower and repeat before
switching sides. 1-2 sets of 10-16 reps on each side. Make
it easier: Try it without the ball. |
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Ball Pike & Shoulder Pushup
Place feet on top of the ball and hands on the floor. Lift your
body up into a pike position with your hands directly under your
shoulders and the top of your head facing the floor. Bend the
elbows and lower into a pushup. Push back up and repeat.
This move takes a lot of strength and balance, so be careful! 1-2
sets of 10-16 reps. Make it easier: Don't lower down
as far or prop the ball against the wall for balance.
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One-Legged Leg Press
 
Begin in an incline position on the ball, knees bent. Straighten
the left leg out in front of you and push through the heel of the
right foot to push up on the ball. Lower and repeat for 1-2 sets
of 10-16 reps on each side.
Make it easier: Hold onto a wall or place fingertips on the
floor for balance
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Ball Circles
 
Place the forearms on the ball and lift the hips up so that you're
resting on the forearms and toes, as in a plank. Get your balance
and slowly roll the ball in a small circle towards the right for 8-10
reps, then to the left for 8-10 reps. Keep the circles small to
stay in control of the ball. Make it easier: Keep the
knees on the floor. |
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Tick Tocks
 
Lie down and take the legs straight up with ball squeezed between the
feet or shins. Engage the abs and slowly lower the legs down to
the left while keeping your shoulders on the floor. Bring the legs
back to center and drop them towards the right, repeating for 1-2 sets
of 10-16 reps on each side. Do not let the back arch. Make
it easier: Limit how far you lower the legs to each side.
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Ab Roll
On your knees, place your hands on the ball and engage the abs as you roll forward, rolling the ball out as far as you can without
arching or straining the back (keep your chest off the ball). Push the elbows into the ball and
squeeze the abs to pull the body back to start. Avoid this move if
you have back problems. 1-2 sets of 10-16 reps. Make
it easier: Keep the hands further out on the ball and limit how
far you roll out.
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Ball Twist
Get into a pushup position with the feet are hugging either side of the ball.
Hold body in a straight line and twist
the ball slightly to the right while trying to keep your shoulders level, then to the left.
Don't sag in the middle. 1-2 sets of 10-16 reps to each side.
Make it easier: Just hold a plank position or limit how far
you twist to each side.
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Ball Plank with Leg Lift
Get into plank position with the feet resting on the ball, hands under
shoulders and abs contracted. Lift the right leg off the ball a few
inches and lower and repeat on the other leg. Continue alternating
legs for 1-2 sets of 10-16 reps on each side. Make it easier:
Prop the ball against the wall for balance.
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Plank Press
 
Kneel in front of the ball with forearms on the ball. Keep the back
straight as you press the toes into the floor and push the body into a
plank position. Lower and repeat for 1-2 sets of 10-16
reps. Make it easier: Prop the ball against the wall
for balance.
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Ball Dips
Sit on the ball with hands next to the hips. Press the hips up and
in front of the ball slightly, find your balance and bent the elbows as
you lower into a tricep dip. Press into the ball to push back up for
1-2 sets of 10-16 reps. Make it easier: Prop the
ball against the wall for balance.
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