“I do a million sit-ups, but I don’t have a six-pack yet.” As a trainer and health coach, I constantly hear this frustration from my clients. Why? Because we often focus only on working our front abs, or rectus abdominis, to look and feel confident when we ride or commute. Go to the beach. We forget how important it is to stabilize and strengthen surrounding muscles like our hips, glutes, pelvis, and torso. Having a strong and stable core is essential for daily activities and also helps your body to have better posture, prevent injuries and improve balance and flexibility. This is where the stability ball comes into play. We’ve rounded up the ultimate stability ball. exercises to reduce belly fat quickly, which we will see next.
The stability ball is a lightweight accessory that allows you to activate your abs more intensely while forcing you to isolate and engage the rest of your body. The best part? Enhance your daily abdominal work so you leave the gym feeling sweaty, strong and very satisfied. Check out these ultra-effective exercises to reduce belly fat below, then be sure to read on. The 6 Best Exercises for Strong, Toned Arms in 2022, Says a Trainer.
This exercise is one of my favorites as it incorporates planks and works all the muscles in your stomach and body. Get into a tabletop position facing the ball, and then slowly lift one leg and then the other to come into a straight-arm plank with the tops of your feet against the ball. Once you feel balanced, pull your knees toward your chest, keeping your hips in line with your shoulders as best you can. Then extend your legs out again to get back on the plank.
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While I’m not a big fan of traditional sit-ups, doing them on the ball will support your lower back, open up your chest, and further engage your core. Sit on the ball with your feet flat on the ground. Then start walking with your feet out and roll the ball until it is under your back. Bend your elbows and place your hands behind your neck for support. Do crunches by lifting your shoulder blades up and drawing your abs in. Hold the position for a second and then lower yourself back down.
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This move requires a bit of coordination, but when done with the right form, it will activate every muscle in your belly. Begin by lying on your back with your arms stretched out over you and your legs in front of you. Place the ball between your hands and then raise your shoulders and legs simultaneously and pass the ball from your hands to your ankles. Lower yourself all the way down (or hover an inch above the mat for an extra challenge) and do the same motion again, except this time passing the ball from your ankles to your hands.
PS: If you are pregnant, try these stability ball stretches to relieve sore muscles and prepare your body for childbirth.
