Slide show: Core-strength exercises with a fitness ball
Photo of woman doing abdominal crunch exercise on fitness ball
Previous Next 1 of 10 Core-strength exercises strengthen abs and other core muscles

Core-strength exercises strengthen your core muscles, including your abdominal muscles, back muscles and the muscles around the pelvis. You can do many core-strength exercises with a fitness ball.

In general, use a fitness ball sized so that your knees are at a right angle when you sit on the ball with your feet flat on the floor. Do each core-strength exercise five times. As you get stronger, gradually increase to 12 to 15 repetitions.

Breathe freely and deeply and focus on tightening your abs during each core-strength exercise. If you have back problems, osteoporosis or any other health concern, talk to your doctor before doing these core-strength exercises.

Feb. 19, 2019