Lose Weight and Burn Fat

The abdominal muscles are one of the hardest muscle groups to tone, since basic crunches only work out a portion of the muscles within the group. Doing standard crunches while laying on the ground only gives the muscles a short range of motion, meaning only a portion of the muscles are actually getting a good work out. By performing crunches and other abdominal workouts on a fitness ball, the body is given a wider range of motion and able to target all of the muscles within the abdominal group.

Typical crunches are one of the most common abdominal workouts, and can be easily done on a fitness ball. The ball should be placed underneath the lower back, with legs shoulder with apart and feet on the group. Because weight is put on the ball, there shouldn’t be any trouble trying to maintain balance. Crunches are performed on the fitness ball just like typical crunches, but the abdominal muscles must work harder to stay balanced on the ball. Also, when completing the crunch, the trunk section can retract lower than horizontal level, and actually work on toning the back muscles as well.

Because even crunches on a fitness ball cannot completely tone the abdominals alone, additional exercises must be performed by those looking for six pack abs. Another ab workout that can be done on a fitness ball can directly target the obliques, which are the muscles found on the side of the abdomen area. The ball is placed in the same position as a regular crunch, but the body is then rotated during each crunch to either the right or left. When the hands are placed behind the head, the elbow should point toward the hip on the opposite side. This exercise targets the oblique muscles, which are on either side of the abdominal muscles.

The fitness ball can be used in other ways than just for crunches, and can still target the abdominal muscles to create six pack abs. One great workout done on a fitness ball can target the lower abdominals, which can be the hardest to tone and sculpt. The ball is first placed on the ground, and the individual then lies on their back in the basic crunch position. Rather than doing a typical crunch, the fitness ball is placed between the feet, and lifted off of the ground. Rather than doing a whole crunch, only lift up half way, and bring the legs in toward the chest. The ball is then passed between the feet and hands with each crunch, with the bottom and top of the abdominal muscles being contracted each time.

Reverse crunches are great for strengthening the back muscles, which is essential when trying to achieve six pack abs. They are done by placing the fitness ball on the ground, and placing the stomach on the ball when the knees are on the ground. The hands are placed behind the head, and the trunk is lifted up to contract the back muscles. The trunk should be held in the up position for a few sections, and released with the stomach touching the ball.

A fitness ball is a great piece of equipment to use for exercising, since it offers a wide variety of abdominal exercises. It offers a wider range of motion than just lying on the floor, and makes the abdominal muscles work harder while trying to keep balance. A fitness ball is ideal for anyone looking to get six pack abs, since it can be very effective when used on a regular basis.