Abs on the Ball

1. Why Another Book on Abdominal Conditioning?
The Problem with Traditional "Ab Conditioning"
Learning from the Latest Research
The Pilates Powerhouse
The Ball As Perfect Partner

2. Abs on the Ball Fundamentals
The Breath: A Crucial Starting Point
The Key Player: Transversus Abdominis
Connecting Navel to Spine9
The Pelvic Floor: The "Elevator" at the Bottom of the Powerhouse
Neutral Pelvis
Inside Out
Everyday Abs
Quality, Not Quantity

3. Final Points
The Right Ball for You
Helpful Hints and Precautions
One Final Word

4. Basic Abs on the Ball
Practicing the Fundamentals
Back Breathing - Neutral Pelvis Lying on the Mat - Lifting the Head off the Mat - Connecting Navel to Spine - Pelvic Floor Exercise
The Basic Abs on the Ball Exercises
Ab Curls with Small Ball - Half Roll-up with Arm Stretch and Tabletop Legs - Small Extensions on Small Ball - Half Roll Down - Rolling Like a Ball - Single Leg Stretch - Oblique Twists - Sidework with Small Ball - Hip Rolls with Small Ball - Hip Rolls with Leg Extensions - Ab Curls on Small Ball - The Waterfall - Hips Rolls on Large Ball - Hip Rolls with Balance - Ab Curls on Large Ball - Walk Up and Down - Rolling from Side to Side - Ball Balance

5. Intermediate Abs on the Ball
Practicing the Fundamentals
Neutral Spine Sitting - Find the Core Sitting - Knee Lift Stabilizing Exercise on Small Ball
The Intermediate Abs on the Ball Exercises
Full Roll-up - Double Leg Stretch - Teaser Prep - Lower and Lift - Leg Pull-up and Bicycle - Spine Twist - Leg Circles, Bicycle, and Scissors in Air - On Elbows - Thigh and Ankle Squeeze and Supported Swan - Bend and Stretch - Backward Crunch - Hip Lift - Back Extensions on Knees - Side Raises - Side Crunches - Planks - Side Shell with Kick - Arabesque - Tabletop Balance - Body Openers

6. Advanced Abs on the Ball
Practicing the Fundamentals
One Leg Standing - Opposite Hand and Foot
The Advanced Abs on the Ball Exercises
The Hundred - Roll Over - Corkscrew - Side Bridge on Small Ball - Boomerang - Rocking Horse Extension - Scissors - Teaser - Sidebend and Twist - Side-twist Plank - The Pike - Single Leg Shell - Kneeling Side Lifts - The Star - Ports de Bras - Plank with Hands on the Ball - Kneel on the Ball

7. The Short Workouts
Fifteen-minute Basic Abs Workout
Thirty-minute Basic Abs Workout
Fifteen-minute Intermediate Abs Workout
Thirty-minute Intermediate Abs Workout
Fifteen-minute Advanced Abs Workout
Thirty-minute Advanced Abs Workout


Resources


Ball and Video Ordering Information


Acknowledgments