Average Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Total Number of Reviews: 7
Editorial Review: Innovative abdominal exercises to help tone the abdomen, improve posture, and build a strong back using the Swiss exercise ball. - Offers a 10-minute and 20-minute workout for all levels of fitness.
- Shows how the mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles.
- Shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines limit how much abdominal muscles can be trained and also aggravate lower back pain and neck tension.
The exercise ball has long been recommended by doctors, physical therapists, and Olympic coaches for people suffering from back pain. Now Colleen Craig, author of the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, reveals why the exercise ball is unmatched as a tool for building superb abdominal strength. She presents a selection of over 80 innovative exercises, including some of the key powerhouse-builders from the Pilates Method, all of which she has adapted specifically to the ball.
Craig shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines actually limit the degree to which abdominal muscles can be trained and can even aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. In contrast, the very mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles, recruiting both deep and superficial abdominal muscle fibers to enhance results. Abs on the Ball includes exercises for all ability levels that show how to properly use the breath and how to activate the correct muscles during a workout--from the core exercises of the Waterfall, Oblique Curls, and Full Abdominal Curls to the more advanced Side Twist Plank, the Teaser, and Backward Crunch. The author also offers a 10- and 20-minute workout designed not only to build the abdominal core, but also to strengthen and train deep muscles in the back and hip in order to soothe lower back pain and increase overall body strength, balance, and coordination.
for a truly different pilates workout try this... 5 out of 5
this is an absolutely challenging workout if you enjoy a pilates workout. i found the workout and the results to be most enjoyable. the instructor so thorough and good that i just ordered another dvd pilates workout by her. you won't be sorry.
Good for abs 4 out of 5
The exercises in this book are great--I noticed a difference just from doing the beginner exercises. You'll need more than the large ball to take full advantage of the book; you'll also need 1 or 2 smaller "gymnic overballs."
A fitness first. 4 out of 5
When I heard pilates on a ball, I was ecstatic! I was just impressed by the creativity used in coming up with such wonderful exercises.I attempted many of the exercises, and I just saw how valuable they would be to athletes, who have been using traditional exercises for a long time.This new system, is so dynamic, and I just love the fact that even seasoned exercisers would be challenged positively.
The author does an excellent job in introducing the audience to the material.I am not a die hard pilates instructor, so I appreciated it.
Excellent ab strengthening moves 5 out of 5
After only a few reps, I can feel the work! I like how it builds on moves I am familiar with and has some new ones in there.
I only wish there was a DVD on this 5 out of 5
I know that most DVDs are for most of the exercises that are done on any exercise endeavor, including those on the ball, I just wish there was a DVD to accompany this book. I believe that DVDs help to keep people motivated to exercise.
That having been stated, this a great book to "wear you out" and get you into shape. I have always thought that doing Pilates was a good thing for the average person, but the ball makes it twice as fun.
If you enjoy ball exercising and feel that it does the job you reshaping you in the way you want, this book will be a lovely addition to your exercise routine.
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