Fitness Ball Fans: Try This Advanced Exercise

This entry was written on May 07, 2009 by our Running Guru Heidi Splete

If you are comfortable with a large fitness ball and you are comfortable holding a plank position on the floor, try the Plank Pike exericise using a large fitness ball. You will truly engage many muscle groups at once--your arms and legs will be working along with your core muscles.

Here's how to do it:

Start in a plank pose with the fitness ball under your thighs and your hands on the floor, shoulder width apart. Keep your elbows straight and shoulders rolled back. Keep your legs extended straight out behind you.

Walk forward on your hands so the ball is under your shins. Go slowly and don't go too far forward; you don't want to fall over once you raise your hips.

Engage your abs and lift your hips toward the ceiling, rolling the ball down closer to your ankles. Hold for a second, then carefully lower your hips. Repeat as desired, but start with just a few repeats. You'll really feel the core muscles working, and that's good for runners!

Happy Running!