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Pilates Ball
One really great piece of equipment to help you get in shape is a Pilates ball.
One of the reasons why a Pilates ball is so beneficial is because it creates a great deal of instability which will then call into play many of the core muscles thus providing an intense workout.
I'm sure you can imagine that if you were to try and perform a weight lifting exercise with one foot off the floor you would have a harder time than if you had both feet firmly planted on the floor. The reason for this is because you are reducing your base of support. The Pilates ball works with the same way. Since your base of support is no longer solid, every exercise you perform upon it will have an added difficulty. This makes it a perfect option for those looking to create a new twist to their weight lifting routine.
To incorporate it, lie with your back across the top and then perform chest presses, pectorial flyes, dumbbell curls, overhead tricep extensions and lateral raises. You should feel your stomach muscles contracting at an increased rate while you do this as they try and further stabilize your body.
Another way to use this piece of equipment in your workouts to directly target your abs is to put it between your ankles and then perform lying leg raises. Think of squeezing it with your inner thigh muscles simultaneously to really hit the inner thigh muscles hard.
The opportunities you will have with to add to your workouts are really endless with this versatile, inexpensive piece of equipment. As they can range in sizes, try a few out before you buy to see what you are most comfortable with. The taller you are, the bigger ball you will need to buy.
Once you start using this on a regular basis, three to four times a week you will greatly see an increase in your fitness level and strength.
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