Exercise: Oblique Abdominal Exercise with therapy ball

Objective: Increase tone and stability of the oblique abdominal muscles.

Description: Sit in a normal folding style or kitchen style chair. Place a therapy ball on your lap (the properly sized ball should allow your extended arms to pass over the top of the ball without too much upward deflection). Separate your knees 8 - 10 inches. Place both arms over the ball, elbows extended (straightened), shoulder width apart. With your arms over the ball, you are ready to start the exercise.

• Step One: Take a deep breath.
• Step Two: While slowly letting your breath go, try and touch the left elbow and the right knee. Keep the arm and elbow locked and raise the right thigh and knee up on an angle to the left elbow. Try and breathe out the entire time you are squeezing the ball.
• Step Three: Rest two or three breath cycles.
• Step Four: Repeat on the opposite side.
• Step Five: Repeat 5 - 8 times for each side.

This abdominal exercise should be comfortable for the low back. If you encounter shoulder pain, you can try bending your elbows 90 degrees.

This exercise should be preceded and followed by the Abdominal Pre/Post exercise stretch.

Need a therapy ball? We've got 'em! Click on this link and get one or more: Exercise Therapy Balls

Warning: Therapeutic exercises should not significantly increase pain during the exercise. Increased pain or symptoms could be a sign of a more serious condition and you should consult your health care professional for guidance.