STABILITY BALL DIAGONAL CRUNCH

The oblique muscles get the emphasis in this exercise, but don't think that other muscles are ignored. All of the trunk and lower-body muscles get a workout to keep you balancing steadily on the ball.

1. Lie back on a stability ball with the low back and midback supported. Bend the knees and keep the feet flat on the floor.
• Beginner — Position the shoulder blades just off the ball and cross the hands over the chest.
• Intermediate — Place the hands behind the head.
• Advanced — Place the arms straight overhead.
• Advanced plus — Place the arms straight overhead holding a weight plate.
2. Place the hands in the appropriate position depending on level of difficulty:
3. Crunch up diagonally to the appropriate level of strength (small range of motion for beginner level and full range of motion for intermediate and advanced). Aim the left elbow toward the right knee.
4. Slowly lower, trying to place one vertebra at a time on the ball.
5. Crunch up diagonally, aiming the right elbow toward the left knee.
6. Slowly lower to starting position.