Fitball Made Simple
Originally employed by Swiss physiotherapists to help children with cerebral palsy, the fitball, or Swiss ball, rose to fame in the late '90s along with the formidable catch-cry of "core strength".
Because fitball exercises require you to balance before you crunch, they're more effective than traditional sit-ups at tapping into the deep abdominal muscles that wrap around your spine and keep you upright.
Your co-workers aren't just showing off when they perch at their desks on a pearly orb: beginning with as little as 10 minutes at a time, you can work the washboard as you attack the keyboard.
For more action, try a killer fitball-crunch. Sit back on the ball and cross your arms over your chest. Walk forward until your shoulder-blades are just off the ball, square your legs hip-width apart and then slowly lift three-quarters of the way up before lowering and repeating the movement. Activate your core muscles throughout by pulling your navel back towards your spine in the way you might when tightening a belt.
Although fitballs are low-impact, you can still bounce into trouble. Always work to your ability, and stop as soon as you feel any back twinges, as this means your back muscles are compensating for a tired belly.
Starting from about $20 at the budget end, fitballs are widely available in stores and online. The right sized ball will leave your knees level to or slightly lower than your hips. Pick a ball that deflates slowly, so that you won't plummet if it bursts.
WHERE TO TRY
Rebel Sport For locations, see rebelsport.com.au/stores