If you're looking for a new way to work the abs using an exercise ball, knee tucks are great for targeting balance, stability and, core strength. The arms and torso help stabilize your body as you crunch the knees in then, at the end of the movement, you get your abs involved by squeezing them as your knees come towards the chest. To get the most out of this move, try not to collapse the back as you roll the knees in.
Ball pikes are a more advanced version of the tucks and involve using the abs to pull your body into a pike position with the legs straight. This is a tough move, so you should feel very comfortable using an exercise ball before you try this version. A great way to incorporate both is to alternate a knee tuck with a pike for a total of 10-16 reps.
Do it right: Get into a pushup position with the ball under the shins/ankles (easier) or the tops of the feet (harder). Bend the knees and roll the ball in towards the chest, contracting the abs. For the harder version, keep the legs straight, contract the abs and pull the ball in a pike position until toes are on the ball.
For more, check out this Dynamic Abs Workout.
It's funny how people react to warm weather. Here in Chicagoland, the natives tend to think anything above, say, 75 degrees is roasting hot. When I lived in California, 75 degrees was considered downright chilly. Of course, humidity has a lot to do with our perception of heat and, growing up in the south, 75 degrees (to me) isn't even close to hot. One reason my husband calls me a freak.
As I watch people out walking, running, riding bikes and just generally soaking up the sun, it does seem like summer brings out the frisky in many of us. I'm curious about your habits. Do you exercise more in the summer or do your habits pretty much stay the same? Or maybe your energy levels drop as the temperature rises. Either way, vote in this week's poll and then leave a comment to tell us about your summer exercise habits.
Poll: Do you exercise more in the summer?
1. Yes, I'm usually more active in warmer weather
2. I workout at the same level as the rest of the year
3. No, I exercise less
4. I don't exercise at all
5. Other - please explain in comments
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