And does it really help tighten the stomach area? And what other places can it help tighten? And do you have one and how is it for you?
2006-08-07 09:23:40 · 8 answers · asked by Den 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
If sit ups hurt your back, the exercise ball will be even worse. I've done both. Go to a physical therapist to learn the right exercises and stretches to strenghten your abs. You should be doing crunches not sit ups, also pelvic tilts and when you are strong enough knee ups.
2006-08-07 09:29:04 · answer #1 · answered by Superstar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The execrcise ball is wonderful!!!! And yes it does tighten the stomach. It also helps the glutes and just about all areas of the body you want to target. There is so much you can do with the exercise ball i recommend it! It feels wonderful on the back as well and gives you a great stretch too! Walmart has three different sizes and a reasonable price to suit your needs. Good Luck!
2006-08-07 09:35:28 · answer #2 · answered by yeppers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know ... I can't balance on it long enough to find out! I do OK on the exercises that just require you to sit on the ball, but when they want you to "roll down until you are on your back" ... I fall off!
There is something now that I've just recently seen advertised on TV ... it's called "The Bean" ... it looks MUCH easier to use, and just as effective! As soon as I can get rid of my ball at a garage sale, I'm going to order "The Bean!" I found several websites that sell it, but the following one has the best explanation of what it is!
2006-08-07 09:30:17 · answer #3 · answered by baeb47 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my trainer told me these things:
1. don't come all the way up, just like 4 or 6 inches.
2. come back down slowly, not jerky.
3. pretend like you have an orange or apple under your chin (i.e., don't push your chin into your chest.
4. tighten your stomach muscles as you do the exercise (esp in the lower belly region)
5. arch your back a little (lift your tailbone off the floor).
2006-08-07 09:28:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh honey, I hate doing exercise in general!!! Try crunches. They are just as effective as the sit up and won't hurt your back.
2006-08-07 09:28:16 · answer #5 · answered by Mommymonster 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same thing was happening to me, so i got a ball. It works great just make sure to have your foot pressed up against something, you can get off balance easily with them.
2006-08-07 09:28:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got an Ab Lounge for that very reason; situps hurt my back, & I already have a herniated disc.
2006-08-07 09:28:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do something else besides sit ups--build total core strength with pilates--good luck!
2006-08-07 09:34:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋