Seated Twist (on stability ball)

The Seated Twist on a Stability Ball is a core-strengthening exercise that targets your oblique muscles, lower back, and hips. This exercise is a great way to improve your spinal mobility and increase your overall stability. By incorporating the stability ball, you add an additional challenge to the exercise as you have to engage your core to maintain balance throughout the movement. To perform the Seated Twist, you sit on a stability ball with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Keep your back straight and your core engaged. Slowly twist your torso to one side, allowing your arms to follow the movement. Pause for a moment at the end of the twist and then return to the starting position. Repeat the movement on the other side to complete one repetition. When performing the Seated Twist on a stability ball, it is important to maintain proper form. Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your shoulders or hunching forward. Engage your core muscles throughout the entire movement and focus on using your oblique muscles to initiate the twist. Start with a lighter ball if you're a beginner and gradually progress to a larger ball as your stability improves. Incorporate the Seated Twist into your regular core workout routine or use it as a warm-up exercise before engaging in more intense training. Remember to breathe naturally throughout the movement and avoid any jerky or sudden motions. With consistent practice, the Seated Twist on a stability ball can help strengthen your core, improve your posture, and enhance your overall fitness level.

Instructions

• Choose a stability ball that is the appropriate size for your height. Sit on the ball with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at 90 degrees.
• Engage your core muscles by pulling your belly button towards your spine and maintaining a straight posture.
• Place your hands together in front of your chest or cross your arms over your chest.
• Keeping your hips stable, rotate your torso to one side, exhaling as you twist.
• Pause briefly at the end of the movement, feeling the stretch in your oblique muscles.
• Return to the center position, inhaling as you do so, and then repeat the twist to the other side.
• Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions or time.
• Remember to breathe throughout the exercise and maintain proper form.

Tips & Tricks

• Maintain proper spinal alignment to prevent strain. Keep your back straight and engage your core throughout the movement.
• Start with a light warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints for the exercise.
• Control the rotation and engage your obliques by twisting from your torso, not just your arms.
• Breathe comfortably and exhale forcefully on each twist to activate your core muscles even more.
• Use a stability ball that is the appropriate size for your body to ensure stability and support.
• Slowly increase the range of motion as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
• Avoid using momentum to twist by keeping a slow and controlled pace.
• Focus on using your abdominal muscles to initiate the twist rather than relying solely on the momentum of the ball.
• Alternate the direction of your twists after each repetition to target both sides of your obliques equally.
• Listen to your body and stop the exercise if you experience any pain or discomfort.