Ball Crunch

The addition of a fitness ball provides support for your lower back and makes this exercise a lot safer! Lie back on the fitness ball with your lower back supported by the dome of the ball and your feet providing stability from the ground. Rest your hands on your temples (or back of your head) but avoid using your hands to pull your neck forwards. From just below the horizontal engage your abs and lift your body up until you are just above the horizontal. Pause then slowly return to the start position. Keep your head, neck and face relaxed throughout. Try to avoid excessive range of motion. You don’t need to arch right back and you don’t need to sit right up. Also try to avoid pulling your head forwards with your hands!