Question:
Does anyone use a exercise ball if so what knid of exercises do yo do

   — melissa W. (posted on December 11, 2001)

December 11, 2001
Here are a couple of ideas: The exercise ball is great to do abdominal "crunches" on. Sit on the ball, then gradually roll down on the ball, until the ball is under your lower back and your knees are perpendicular to the floor. Then, hands behind the head and lift your head and shoulders up until you feel it in your tummy. Do a couple sets of 20. You can also use the ball to do squats. With your back to the wall, place the ball between your back and the wall. Put the ball low on your back. Put your feet about shoulder width apart and a couple of feet in "front" of your body (so that you are pushing back against the wall). Using your legs, slowly squat, rolling the ball down the wall with your back. Use your legs and rise, rolling the ball back up the wall. Work up to 2 or 3 sets of 20. When it gets "easier" hold 5 to 10 pound "hand weights" at your sides while squatting. Another good exercise is for inner thighs. Lay on your back, knees in the air and bent, feet off the floor. Put the ball between your thighs, as close to your crotch as you can. Keeping your feet off the ground, squeeze the ball with your legs, hold a second or two, then release the pressure, but keep the ball between your legs. Keep repeating.
   — BethVBG

September 3, 2004
I use the excercise ball a lot in my workouts. One excercise that is great for your glutes and legs is to take the ball, press it between you and a wall with the ball in the small of your back and slowly move down and up against the wall. Keep your feet close together and try not to open your knees as you go down. You will feel the muscles in your legs and glutes (butt) working to move yourself back up the wall to as you stand. If this gets too easy for you, try holding some weights in both hands as you do this excercise.
   — Abear2