Exercise of the Week: Abdominal Twists on Exercise Ball

Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

Start: Assume reverse bridge position with shoulder blades and head resting on exercise ball. Focus on bringing belly button inward, and holding entire body in a straight line – ankles to ears. Arms are positioned straight to the side, palms facing up.

Exercise: Keeping hips elevated, reach one hand to ceiling, creating an upper body twist relative to pelvis. Allow ball to roll slightly underneath you. In ideal finish position, upper body will turn 90o relative to lower body, with only one shoulder touching ball. Pause for 2 counts. Return to starting position, and repeat on opposite side. Repeat 5-10 times per side.