Lean & Crunch
Stand with your feet parallel, hip-width apart. Hold the ball in your left hand with your arm at your side, your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle (a). Slowly extend the ball up and out to the left as far as you can, leaning your torso to the left and lifting your right leg out to the right, foot flexed, to counterbalance (b). Next, bend your right knee, bringing it up to the left while also lowering your left elbow so they meet in front of your abdomen (c). Return to the start. Complete the reps on one side, then switch sides and repeat. Begin with 10 reps and build up to 20.
What it strengthens: Neck and shoulders, arms, upper back, lower back, hips, thighs, and abdomen. Improves posture, balance, and coordination, and reduces stiffness in the lower back and hips.
