Using An Exercise Ball to Get Ripped Abs

Using exercise ball in your ab workouts can improve posture and target your abdominal muscles effectively. The ball makes you work much harder as the rest of your body has to work hard at keeping the ball in place while you carry out the exercise. Therefore, it is considered a smart shortcut to getting ripped abs easily.

Besides, anyone sitting at a desk who is prone to lower back pain due to bad posture could substitute an exercise ball for the chair. As the ball doesn't have a supporting back, you have to work harder at keeping your body upright, rather than slumping into the back of a chair. Read on to learn two effective ab workouts that you can perform to further challenge your abs.

Back Extensions - Kneel down facing the ball and push yourself up on top so the ball is underneath the abdominals. Plant your feet shoulder-width apart resting on your toes with a slight bend in the knee. Place your fingertips by your temples and roll your chest over the front of the ball. Lift your chest so that your back is straight, but not arched. Keep your head neutral (neither dropping your chin forward nor raising it up) and look at the floor throughout the exercise.

Ab Curls - Sit on the ball and walk yourself forward so that the ball sits in the curve of your lower back. Keep your feet flat on the floor and knees bent at 90 degrees. Cup your ears with your hands, letting your elbows fall naturally out. Now slowly roll your shoulders forwards and push your bottom into the ball. Lower yourself back down so your back is straight.

Lastly, don't worry if you have difficulty balancing on the ball. This whole body adjustment will take some time, so alternate between the ball and the chair to begin with. Once you find these two ab workouts effortless to perform, chances are you have achieved well-defined ripped abs.