Tone up from head to toe with these moves using an exercise ball to target your abs, arms, butt, and thighs and improve your balance.
1. Star Reach
Targets abs, obliques, butt, and legs
Stand with feet hip-width apart, ball in left hand and arms out to sides at shoulder height. Lift right leg out to right side as high as you can; point toes.
Keeping arms in a straight line, bend upper body to left side, touching ball to floor. Keep right leg lifted throughout.
Return to start position. Do 30 reps; switch sides and repeat.
2. Peeled Push-Ups
Targets shoulders, chest, triceps, and abs
Start on floor in a modified push-up position, hands under shoulders, knees on floor, and feet crossed. Place ball under palm of right hand.
Bend left elbow to lower body a few inches from floor. Keep right arm straight while gently pushing through right palm, right arm sliding over ball until ball reaches elbow. Keep back straight and hips facing floor.
Press back up with left hand and roll ball back down right arm to return to start position.
3. Spider Triceps
Targets shoulders, triceps, abs, obliques, and inner thighs
Lie on mat on right side, right elbow directly under shoulder and forearm to right; bend left knee with foot flat. Place ball between inner thighs and raise right leg off floor, pointing toes; extend left arm upward.
Pressing into right palm and squeezing ball between legs, straighten right arm, pushing body up while lowering right foot.
Reverse back to start. Do 30 reps; switch sides and repeat.
4. Toe Touch
Targets shoulders, back, abs, and hips
Sit on floor with knees bent, feet flat, holding ball with both hands in front of shins. Draw knees into chest, leaning torso slightly back, and press ball into shins, lifting feet and pointing toes.
Engaging abs, extend legs into a V position as you grip ball with right hand and tap toes with ball.
Return to knees tucked into chest and ball in front of shins.
Do 30 reps; switch sides and repeat.
Jenna Autuori-Dedic – Fitnessmagazine.com
