Shape article RE: pike on the stability ball

[intensitylisa]

I just received my July issue of Shape and the "At Home Move of the Month" article features the pike and extension on the stability ball a step by step guide. I have all about given up on doing this move because it has been too stressful. For your information the step by step guide:
1. Kneel with ball in front of you. Round your torso over it, placing your hands on the floor.
2. Walk your hands forward until your thighs and upper shins rest on the ball, keeping your hands in line with your shoulders. Your body should form a straight line from your heels to the top of your head. Keep your abs contracted to stabilize your torso.
3. Tighten your abs and raise your hips to an inverted V position allowing the ball to roll down to your lower shins. Hold for 2 counts and roll the ball back up to your thighs and upper shins in a slow, controlled manner. ;-)

 

[punky3333]

Thanks Intensity Lisa for sharing that. I don't get Shape very often, so it was handy.

Now if you could just help me get my darned hips up into the air without killing myself.

Oh well, another goal for this year!

Thanks again,

 

[intensitylisa]

I know that is the hardest part, getting the hips in the air. I guess I'll just have to work on it, but when that part of the workout comes around I am so pooped as it is and getting my hips and butt in the air is a joke!

 

[pfive]

I'm with you punky3333! That's a goal I have set for this year! By the time I get to the pikes, i'm pooped and either end up watching the group enviously or I just do the basic planks on the ball!

Hope you reach your goal!

Angie

I think I'll pick up that copy of Shape this week!

 

[Gibbee]

My arms quake so bad after pyramids (I usually do up or down, not both ways), I have to take a 1-2 minute break before attempting the pikes. I can do it, though, if I give my arms the break they need. Hang in there, once you get going and do it a few times, you'll love 'em!

 

[punky3333]

I'm always afraid that if I do manage to hike my behind up there, that I'll just collapse, or fall all the way over. hehe

That would be a scary site. Newsflash: "Husband finds wife conked out on the floor. She appears to have knocked herself out while attempting some cruel torture called Pikes";(

 

[Stargazer]

Just did PUB this AM. It had been awhile. YIKES on PIKES is all I can say. I got my butt in the air, but probably not as high as I would like to believe! I got through the first set then rested until after the second set. My arms were noodles. whoa.-joy

 

[RobinC]

I always do the stability ball exercises first (thanks to the easy punch of a button on DVDs!!)- that way I can make it through those dreaded pikes! Then when get to the end I repeat all the ball work BUT the pikes to get in a little extra core work. If I do pikes at the end, my arms are just to shaky to hold me up!!

Robin