| The Side Sit requires simultaneous contraction of the internal and
external Obliques, as well as the quadratus lumborum. This exercise is used to
improve core strength and your back. Place a Swiss ball under your hip and
anchor one or both of your feet along the bottom of a wall Hold your top
leg as straight as possible and in line with the torso, shoulders and head, then
lie over the ball to stretch the oblique abdominal muscles. Beginners should place
their arms at their sides. Progress to placing your arms across your chest as
shown, and then to having your fingertips behind you ears.
From the bottom
position, initiate the side flexion movement from the trunk. Side bend the
spine one level at a time until the shoulder and head come up. On the way
down, the spine should dies flex over the ball one segment at a time starting
from the bottom up.
Prone
Jack knife 
The prone jack knife is used to strengthen hip flexors, abdominal
muscles and the shoulder girdle. In a push up position, place your feet
on the ball Hold your spine straight and maintain head and neck alignment Draw
your legs under your body over the duration of two seconds Return to the
start position over the duration of two seconds Repeat the exercise for
the prescribed number of repetitions
Forward
Ball Roll 
The Forward Ball Roll strengthens the abdominal, hip flexors and
shoulder Extenders. This exercise is very good for everyone to improve stability
in the spine and shoulder girdle. From a kneeling position, place your forearms
on the ball with your palms facing each other. Place a Dowel rod on your
back. The goal is to maintain good spinal alignment as you roll forward. Good
spinal alignment is indicated by not exaggerating any of your spinal curves, which
often causes the stick to fall Take a deep breath and draw the navel toward
your spine just enough to slim your waistline slightly. Begin rolling forward,
moving from the hip and shoulder joints equally. The movement should terminate
at the instant you feel you are going to lose spinal alignment. You will know
you are losing spinal alignment if the curves in your spine increase and the stick
falls off. Just stop at the point at which you start to lose your ability
to keep good form.
Return
to Abdominal training secrets interview
Go To David Grisaffi's Firm And Flatten Your Abs Website
Copyright 2006, Tom Venuto.com & Fitness Renaissance, LLC. No reproduction permitted without permission from Tom Venuto and David Grisaffi
|