Once you get going with your lower ab workout program, there is one inexpensive piece of equipment that I highly recommend and that is the exercise ball, also known as the Swiss ball or stability ball.  It will accelerate your regime and also reduce the chances of you doing damage to yourself in the process.  I’ve got some great exercise ball buying tips for you here:

Lower ab workout result - swimmer (courtesy of picasaweb.google.com/brianteaguereynolds9)

First of all, it’s important to get a ball that’s the right size for you.  When you sit on the ball with feet flat on the ground, you want your knees to form a right-angle, so that your upper leg is horizontal and your lower leg is vertical.  If you’re buying on-line, you need to take the height of the ball, take off 20% to allow for it to squash a little, and the remaining measurement should be the same as the distance from the back of your knee to the sole of your foot.  A guide at the about.com web site  suggests the following sizes for different heights:

If you are 4′11″ – 5′4″, get a ball that is 55cm
If you are 5′5″ – 5′11″, get a ball that is 65cm
If you are 6′ – 6′7, get a ball that is 75cm

To be honest though, the leg measurement is the most important thing.

When you’re looking at the different fitness balls on offer, don’t economize too much.  The good ones are toward the 30 dollar mark, which is still great value for the use you will get from it.  Check it comes with a pump, and that it is burst-resistant, which all the good ones are.  Also look for a ball that is made of thick, sturdy material – the last thing you want is something flimsy that you won’t have confidence in using.  Finally, and I’ve left the best tip until last, take great care to get a ball with a textured, non-slip surface.  So many people don’t take notice of this one and end up slipping and sliding all over the place!
OK, so when you have the ball, what then?  In my next post you will find my favorite lower ab workout exercises with an exercise ball – don’t miss it!

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