Working abs with stability ball

[RedWingFan]

Hi,

I was wondering how working your abs with a stability ball differs from regular floor ab work?

Do you use different muscles??

Is it the positioning on the ball that works your abs differently??

How is it for your back??

Do you even notice a difference??

Thanks for any insight into these questions of mine.

Michelle

GO Wings!!!! :7

 

[Aquajock]

Stability ball work for the core muscles is generally thought to promote functional fitness by forcing these muscles (NOT different muscles) to perform more stabilization work in an unstable environment. When you are doing traditional floor work the floor provides a very stable surface and the stabilization work for the abs and back are reduced; not so with a ball.

Yes, it is in part the positioning on the ball that works your abs differently, especially if you go from a largely supine position to an incline position. The curvature of the ball conforms to the curve of the lower spine more completely, preventing it from hyperextending when you perform a crunch; again, you can engage the abdominal muscles in a different way when the lower spine is fully against a surface.

I do notice a difference when doing stability ball work versus traditional floor work. And, using stability balls for traditional plank positions, as well as knee rolls and pikes, is awesome. I'd never want to rely exclusively on the ball, but it's a great little tool.

A-Jock

 

[RedWingFan]

A-Jock,

Thanks for the info.

Michelle