I was stretching after my workout at a local gym the other day and saw this person doing a new abdominal exercise. I just had to tell you about it. This exercise is a bit complex so I'll do my best to provide the details so you'll understand what I was witnessing.

Here's a humorous look at a new abdominal exercise:

First select a stability ball that is too small for your height. Next, lay back on the ball like you would to perform a traditional crunch except, instead of having your lower back supported by the ball, slide your hips down so your butt is just a few inches off the floor. This is the starting position.

Now clasp your hands behind your head and wrench your neck as far forward as you can. Be sure to hold your breath from this point out. Now in a rhythmic fashion, wrench your head towards your chest and try not to let your butt hit floor! Return to the start position.

Crank out a seemingly endless stream of these. To add to the challenge of this incredible move, now start swinging your shoulders from left to right. Don't worry about trying to bring the opposite shoulder to the opposing knee. It appears not to matter.

After a few of these your face should be beet red and you should feel like you've strained your neck and not your abs.

Obviously I am being funny and sarcastic to make a point, but this is what a guy was actually doing as his version of a simple stability ball abdominal crunch.

Instead of attempting to keep his back centered on the ball and resting his head in his hands, and letting his abs do the work, he was finding every way possible to avoid it.

Moral of the story, form is key. If you don't know the correct way to perform an exercise then get the help of a qualified personal trainer or conditioning specialist.

Rick DeToma is a fitness coach, and trainer who specializes in home workouts. Contact Rick for a no obligation telephone fitness assessment at:
www.tailored-fitness-home-workouts.com/contact.html
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