Get Fit

GET ON THE BALL ... AND RECLAIM YOUR ABS

By Dana Sullivan

Tired of doing basic crunches? Then get on the ball! The physio ball, that is. The oversized ball is now a staple in every gym, but it's an affordable and super versatile piece of gear that you use at home as well. By some estimates, there are more than 300 exercises you can do with a ball; you can find one at retailers like Target or Wal-Mart, or order online at The Fitterfirst Website.

Do the following four exercises, recommended by Liz Neporent, an exercise physiologist and trainer in New York City whose latest book is The Ultimate Body (Ballantine), and you'll mold your middle back into shape in no time. "Your body -- especially your belly -- just went through a major event and you need to give it at least 12 weeks to recover," she says. "But with patience and consistent exercise, you can do it."

Here are four of Neporent's favorite exercise-ball belly shapers:

1. Ball crunch
   Lie faceup on an exercise ball, rolling the ball back until it's under the small of your back. Position your feet shoulder-width apart and flat on the floor, knees apart. Rest your head in your hands. Keeping your head and neck relaxed, exhale and contract your abdominal muscles, lifting your shoulders off the ball. Hold for a two-count. Inhale as you slowly lower to the starting position. Repeat 8-15 times.
   
   
2. Kneeling hold on the ball
   Place the ball in front of you and kneel down; place your hands on top of the ball. Straighten your arms and hold your body in this outstretched position (kind of like a push-up). Concentrate on the contraction of your abs and hold for 5 seconds and relax; work up to 30 seconds.
   
   
3. Side bridge
   Drape yourself sideways over the ball, so it's under your right side. Support yourself with your forearm (on the ball) and your leg. Inhale and lift your torso up off the floor and hold. You can place left hand on your hip, or to make the move more challenging, lift it overhead. Hold 5-30 seconds.
   
   
4. Oblique curls
   Lie face up on the ball, so it's positioned under your hips and lower back. Place your feet flat on the floor, knees bent so your knees are aligned over your ankles. Bend your elbows and place your hands over your ears. Contract your abs and lift your middle back off the ball, moving the right side of your rib cage toward the left side of your pelvis. Release, and repeat in the opposite direction. Repeat 8-15 times on each side.

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