Advanced abs exercises

Stability Ball Pikes

“A more challenging advanced exercise, Stability Ball Pikes target the core but recruit slightly different muscles in the trunk — namely the abdominals, which contract isometrically to stabilize the trunk, and the hip flexors, which need to put in quite a bit of work to move the body,” says Comana. “This exercise will also require a little quad work to keep the knees extended.”

Step 1: Lie on your stomach over the top of a stability ball with both hands and feet on the floor, hip- and shoulder-width apart.

Step 2: Contract your core muscles to stiffen your torso and slowly walk yourself forward, lifting your legs off the floor and gently exhaling.

Step 3: Continue walking forward until your toes, which should be pointed towards your shins, rest on the top of the ball. Pull your shoulders back and down until your arms are fully extended, hands positioned directly under your shoulders.

Step 4: Exhale and pull your feet towards your chest, keeping your legs fully extended and rolling the ball forward as your hips move upwards. Think about lifting your rear towards the ceiling while hinging at the hips. Continue moving until you are inverted, with hips directly above your shoulders, legs, torso and arms fully extended, and head between your arms. Your toes should remain on the top of the ball, but your ankles can move so that your toes are pointed away from your shins. Hold briefly before inhaling and slowly lowering yourself back towards your starting position.

Next page…Stability Ball Russian Twist