Technique -
Stand with the ball between you and a wall, feet forward and hip width apart.
Tighten your tummy muscles and then squat down until your thighs
are horizontal. Pause for a second or two and then stand up again.
Tip -
Keep your back straight at all times and make sure your knees are always in
line with your feet.
Swiss Ball Lunge
Muscles Worked - Legs and bottom.
Technique -
Stand beside a ball and place the foot furthest from the ball forward and
the other back. Tighten your tummy muscles and bend both
knees as you lower yourself down slowly. Stop when your back knee
is just above the floor and rise up again.
Tip - Keep your back straight. Don't do this
exercise if you have knee pain.
Side Leg Raise
Muscles Worked - Outer thighs and butt.
Technique -
Lay sideways over the ball with your outer leg straight and your bottom leg
bent and resting on the floor. Raise your straight leg to hip height,
hold for a second or two and then lower it.
Tip -
Keep your straight leg as straight as possible. Try resting your head in your
bottom hand for neck support.
Swiss Ball Back Extensions
Muscles Worked - Lower back and butt.
Technique -
Lay forward over a ball, feet on the floor and chest lowered. Slowly raise your
chest up off the ball with your hands out to the side and elbows
bent at about 90°. Lower your chest and arms back down slowly.
Tip -
Focus on using your lower back muscles to raise your chest and squeeze your
shoulders together as you raise your back.
Hamstring Lift and Roll
Muscles Worked - Hamstring (back of leg).
Technique -
Lay down with hands on the floor next to you and your ankles
resting on top of the ball. Raise your bottom off the floor and slowly
roll the ball towards you until your knees are above your hips, then
slowly roll the ball back.
Tip - To make this exercise harder,
rest your hands across your tummy (see
picture).