Abs on the Ball: A Pilates Approach to Building Superb Abdominals - Softcover

Craig, Colleen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 089281098X ISBN 13: 9780892810987

Publisher: Healing Arts Press, 2003

Synopsis

Innovative abdominal exercises to help tone the abdomen, improve posture, and build a strong back using the Swiss exercise ball.

• Offers a 10-minute and 20-minute workout for all levels of fitness.

• Shows how the mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles.

• Shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines limit how much abdominal muscles can be trained and also aggravate lower back pain and neck tension.

The exercise ball has long been recommended by doctors, physical therapists, and Olympic coaches for people suffering from back pain. Now Colleen Craig, author of the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, reveals why the exercise ball is unmatched as a tool for building superb abdominal strength. She presents a selection of over 80 innovative exercises, including some of the key powerhouse-builders from the Pilates Method, all of which she has adapted specifically to the ball.

Craig shows how traditional sit-ups and "ab" machines actually limit the degree to which abdominal muscles can be trained and can even aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. In contrast, the very mobility of the ball targets underutilized muscles, recruiting both deep and superficial abdominal muscle fibers to enhance results.

Abs on the Ball includes exercises for all ability levels that show how to properly use the breath and how to activate the correct muscles during a workout--from the core exercises of the Waterfall, Oblique Curls, and Full Abdominal Curls to the more advanced Side Twist Plank, the Teaser, and Backward Crunch. The author also offers a 10- and 20-minute workout designed not only to build the abdominal core, but also to strengthen and train deep muscles in the back and hip in order to soothe lower back pain and increase overall body strength, balance, and coordination.

About this title

From the Author:

Colleen Craig is a Certified Stott Pilates Trainer and a writer who developed a unique body conditioning technique by adapting the Pilates Method to the exercise ball. She lives in Toronto and teaches workshops throughout the world.

From the Back Cover:

HEALTH / BODYWORK

In Abs on the Ball Colleen Craig, author of the bestselling Pilates on the Ball, reveals why the exercise ball is unmatched as a tool for building superb abdominal strength. Abs on the Ball uses a Pilates approach: a unique exercise method famous for building long, sculpted muscles and a strong back and abdominal core. In this groundbreaking book Craig shows how traditional sit-ups and “ab” machines actually limit the degree to which abdominal muscles can be trained and can even aggravate lower back pain and neck tension. In contrast, the very mobility of the exercise ball targets underutilized muscles, recruiting both deep and superficial abdominal muscle fibers to give rapid results.

Abs on the Ball presents a selection of over 100 innovative exercises, including many of the key powerhouse-builders from the Pilates Method adapted specifically to large and small exercise balls, to enhance the Pilates matwork for the beginner or the seasoned athlete. Step-by-step instructions are detailed in more than 250 photographs. The author also offers 15- and 30-minute workouts for all ability levels. These workouts not only build the abdominal core but also strengthen and train deep muscles in order to soothe low-back pain and increase overall body strength, balance, and coordination.

Whether you are looking to tighten your abdominals, improve your sports performance, support your lower back, or simply feel strong and toned in your body, the innovative and complete system presented in Abs on the Ball will guide you in reaching your goals--in less time than you imagined.

COLLEEN CRAIG is a Certified Stott Pilates Trainer and a writer who developed a unique body conditioning technique by adapting the Pilates Method to the exercise ball. She lives in Toronto and teaches workshops throughout the world.

About this edition

• Publisher: Healing Arts Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 089281098X
• ISBN 13: 9780892810987
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192