An ab ball is a large, inflatable plastic ball used to exercise the abdominal muscles and improve balance, posture, and coordination. It can also work muscles throughout the body and is more comfortable on the spine than exercising on a hard floor. Various exercises can be done with an ab ball, including crunches, push-ups, and side planks.
An ab ball, also known as an abdominal ball, balance ball, crunch ball, or stability ball, is a piece of exercise equipment used to exercise the abdominal muscles. The ab ball is a large, inflatable plastic ball designed to support the heaviest weight of a person. Sold at most fitness stores or online, they are a very popular piece of fitness equipment for taking an ab workout to the next level of difficulty.
An ab ball can come in various sizes, but most are about 2 feet (.6 meters) or more in diameter. There are many different ways to use an ab ball that go far beyond simple crunches and can work muscles throughout your entire body. One of the main benefits of exercising on an unstable surface, such as this type of fitness ball, is that your body constantly readjusts itself to stay balanced and prevent you from falling over. These small adjustments work muscle groups that are rarely used in everyday life or when training, and can help improve balance, posture, and coordination.
Additionally, many people find that exercising on the soft surface of an ab ball is more comfortable and gentler on the spine than exercising on a hard floor. The stability ball also works all of the abdominal muscles on the front, sides, and back of the body, which can be difficult to do with a more traditional ab routine. Finally, the abdominal ball offers a greater extension and stretch in the muscles that is simply not possible on the floor.
This happens because the spine can bend backwards when doing an abdominal ball crunch, which helps stretch the muscles. It also takes more strength and energy to come back from the stretched and extended position, which helps strengthen the abdominals. Keep in mind that when doing crunches on an ab ball, your feet should rest flat on the floor, with your knees bent and the middle of your back resting on the ball; Keep your arms and hands up behind your head. Be careful not to stretch your neck and hang your head back; try to keep your head in line with your spine.
In addition to doing crunches on an ab ball, there are other exercise options as well. Push-ups and side planks can be done with a stability ball, although it might be better to use a smaller stability ball for side planks. Additionally, some trainers recommend a modified type of pushup in which the ball is rolled forward with the feet, causing the user to bend their knees while doing a pushup. Look online for instructions for exercises to be performed with an ab ball.
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