Everybody likes the big abdominal exercise ball, also called stability ball or balance ball. These colourful balls do not only look nice, they are great devices to workout your abs.
Exercises for abs are not easily done. A good piece of abdominal exercise equipment helps and that big coloured balance ball is motivating too. In a study of the San Diego State University the abdominal exercise ball exercises are the third on a list of best exercises for abs.

The abdominal exercise ball has to be suitable to your size. For example, you need a ball with 26 inches diameter, if your height is 5'4". Crunches are effective exercises to stabilize the abs. Take seat on your balance ball, the feet flat on the floor and roll forward until the mid back is placed on the ball. That is a good feeling at the back and you feel the balance. Beginners can set their feet wider apart. That stabilizes the position. Hands to the head you slowly crunch the upper body a little, contract the abs for a second and carefully go back. Try how many reps you can do the first time and work up to 12 – 16 reps for 1 – 3 sets. This kind of abdominal exercises are great to work out your abdominals. Doing the same exercises by putting the feet closer together is a good work out for the obliques. Besides there are a lot more exercise ball exercises you can do with the stability ball.

Some experts recommend using a stability ball as seat in the office and at home. The pro is, it forces you to sit up straight and to change your position often to balance. That strengthens the core muscles and improves the spinal health. Others say the ball doesn't provide the same support as a chair and the instability could cause injuries.

But nevertheless the balance ball is a great tool for abs exercises. No matter if you are working on six pack abs or you want to strengthen the stomach muscles to get a better and healthier posture. The abdominal exercise ball is nice, inexpensive and effective. You find them in every fitness studio. But it is more comfortable to have your own stability ball at home.