I need some tips on using the exercise ball for stomache crunches! I have one that my physical therapist gave me several years ago for some back problems and I want to start using it but I don't have any instructions or tapes or whatever, on how to use it.

For crunches, can anyone tell me exactly where I should position myself on the ball? I feel like I'm gonna fall off! Should it be right in the middle of my back, or should I be sitting on it and balancing myself with on my 'rear-end'?

You want the ball center yourself on the ball with the small of your back in the middle. One thing that helps you stabilize yourself is to have your toes (be careful with your toe, right now!) against a wall. That will keep you in place so that you can do the full crunch.

Another one - lie on the floor and rest your feet on the ball. Crunch from there to target your lower abs.

Pass the ball from legs to hands. Lie flat on the floor with ball in between your feet. Bring feet to hands and take the ball with your hands. You're moving your body in a V motion. (hope that makes sense)

Also, you can usually find ball exercises on the fitness magazines websites (i.e. shape, fitness, women's health, etc).

Hope this helps!

Here's another one. Hard, but effective!

http://www.shapefit.com/abs-exercises-exer...l-pull-ins.html

OMG! Sarah do you do those! I don't think I'm ready for that yet, it looks hard! But thanks for the tips, I can certainly do the others that you suggested. I'm going to put that site in my favorites and make that one of my longterm goals... My dream - 6 pack abs! I always said if I could ever get a flat stomach I would get my belly button pierced! (in my dreams...)

my trainer does this one with me and it really works..the last time she measured me i had lost the most weight in abdominal area - where i need it.

http://www.shapefit.com/abs-exercises-crun...rcise-ball.html

Kaimi, I think I could do that one. How many do you do?

Wow, these are great. I'm going to try them too. Thanks.

Just like your other weights, it's good to do 2-3 sets of 20 or so reps.

LOL... I attempt that ball exercise, Linda. It's difficult, but it works. I seem to have some pretty tough ab muscles, problem is they are covered with a big layer of FAT! You can work the same muscles by doing a modified plank position and holding it for isolating your core muscles. No ball necessary for that one!

Sarah