Abs On The Ball

Innovative abdominal exercises to help tone the abdomen, improve posture, and build a strong back using the Swiss exercise ball. Offers a 10-minute and 20-minute workout for all levels of fitness. Shows how the mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles. Shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines limit how much abdominal muscles can be trained and also aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. The exercise ball has long been recommended by doctors, physical therapists, and Olympic coaches for people suffering from back pain. Now Colleen Craig, author of the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, reveals why the exercise ball is unmatched as a tool for building superb abdominal strength. She presents a selection of over 80 innovative exercises, including some of the key powerhouse-builders from the Pilates Method, all of which she has adapted specifically to the ball. Craig shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines actually limit the degree to which abdominal muscles can be trained and can even aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. In contrast, the very mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles, recruiting both deep and superficial abdominal muscle fibers to enhance results. Abs on the Ball includes exercises for all ability levels that show how to properly use the breath and how to activate the correct muscles during a workout--from the core exercises of the Waterfall, Oblique Curls, and Full Abdominal Curls to the more advanced Side Twist Plank, the Teaser, and Backward Crunch. The author also offers a 10- and 20-minute workout designed not only to build the abdominal core, but also to strengthen and train deep muscles in the back and hip in order to soothe lower back pain and increase overall body strength, balance, and coordination.

Core training (aka strengthening and sculpting the body's midsection with a variety of exercises including everything from Pilates to situp-style crunches) is raised to a higher level with a program that utilizes the ball for greater effectiveness.

If you want to shape up or lose weight, get on the ball! It’s inexpensive. It’s something you can do at home. It’s effective! However, unless you have a personal trainer, using the exercise ball correctly to get maximum results can be tricky. That’s where Exercise Balls For Dummies comes in. You’ll discover how to turn an ordinary workout into a super workout that builds strength, increases flexibility, and sculpts a great-looking body. The book includes: Step-by-step details on using exercise balls in your regular workout program Tips on selecting and maintaining equipment Illustrated exercises covering a complete muscle workout: shoulders and upper back; biceps, triceps, and forearms; chest abdominals and lower back; legs and hips: flexibility in general Specific applications for Pilates, weight training, stretching, and aerobic exercise Mat workout routines Admitted couch potatoes can start at the beginning; fitness fanatics can jump right in and integrate the exercise ball into their routines. Exercise Balls For Dummies was written by LaReine Chabut, a fitness model, actress, and writer who owns a women’s workout spa and stars in workout videos. Of course, she makes it look easy!

With exercises suited for all skill levels, Stiefel describes safe, proper training methods and shows how to simultaneously use weights and the exercise ball for the ultimate total-body workout.

A unique series of Pilates strength-building exercises using the Swiss exercise ball, resistance bands, and weights • From the bestselling author of Pilates on the Ball and Abs on the Ball • Features specialized strength-training workouts for readers of all ages and fitness levels • Chapters include check points to help readers set realistic goals and tips for physical educators, coaches, and Pilates teachers In Strength Training on the Ball Colleen Craig shows readers of all fitness levels how to build strong bones, improve balance, and reduce body fat while toning and defining the body. Combining the unique functions of the exercise ball with the endurance- and flexibility-building benefits of strength training, Craig presents 75 ball exercises using weights, resistance bands, and the body's own resistance. Her exercise variations make strength training safe for beginners, children, teenagers, and seniors and challenging enough for the seasoned athlete. Strength Training on the Ball is modeled after Craig's groundbreaking and bestselling works Pilates on the Ball and Abs on the Ball. It contains step-by-step photographs for each of the exercises, check points to help readers set realistic yet motivating goals, and teaching tips for physical educators, coaches, and Pilates teachers. The book concludes with three specialized strength workouts: a therapeutic workout for those recovering from injuries, a basic workout for absolute beginners, and a challenging workout for athletes and gym enthusiasts.

A full-color photographic book with 101 different moves you can do with an exercise ball. Exercise balls are cropping up in gyms all over the world, are sold in places like Kmart and Target, and are becoming the latest fitness craze. The thing is, what the heck do you do with the ball once you've bought it? Pilates, yoga, and more! Liz Gillies, respected fitness trainer and star of several best-selling exercise videos, shows you 101 things you can do with a ball to tone, trim, and firm up.

Weights are great for working the arms and upper body, and the exercise ball produces exceptional results in the core abs and lower body. With exercises suited for all skill levels, Weights on the Ball Workbook shows how to simultaneously use both pieces of equipment for the ultimate total-body workout. Just sitting on a bench while performing arm curls leaves abdominals doing virtually nothing and leg muscles completely relaxed. Sit balanced on the ball while doing those same curls and a simple arm movement explodes into a total-body exercise as the mid- and lower-body stabilizer muscles are forced to work equally hard. Weights on the Ball Workbook teaches combination exercises like seated curls as well as dozens of specially designed movements that fully utilize the potential of this unique equipment tandem. In addition to programs that are easily tailored to individual fitness levels, Weights on the Ball Workbook describes proper training methods and explains how to achieve specific goals by varying the workout and carefully monitoring the number of repetitions. Last but not least, the author shows how to have fun and enjoy a workout that produces results in half the time of a traditional workout.

Chiseled abs, a defined midsection, and a powerful core require more than sit-ups, crunches, and the latest miracle diet. To achieve true six-pack success, you’re going to need a plan—one based on the most effective exercises and sound programming. You need Abs Revealed. In Abs Revealed, award-winning personal trainer Jonathan Ross provides a complete program for strengthening, sculpting, and maintaining your midsection. More than a collection of exercises, Abs Revealed shows you how to fire your ab muscles regardless of your current fitness level, identify your goals, and develop a personalized workout program to fit your schedule with progressions built in for quick and clear results. This results-oriented, step-by-step guide also includes more than 60 core exercises, ready-to-use workout plans, and advice on integrating abdominal development into cardio and strength routines. Moreover, you’ll discover strategies for applying the latest research on diet and nutrition to enhance and maintain muscle definition and tone throughout the year. If you’re tired of doing endless crunches with limited results, let Abs Revealed show you a better way. With proven plans and personalized programming, it’s your step–by-step guide to six-pack success.