A balanced ab approach

1 Lie on a Bosu ball facing upward; your lower and middle back should be centered on the ball. Slowly bring both knees to your chest. Position your hands behind your head, with your elbows pointed out to the sides. Maintain your balance as you slowly bring your left shoulder toward your right knee and straighten out your left leg in front of you. Pause for a moment in the crunch, then slowly begin to switch sides.

2 This time, bring your right shoulder toward your left knee and straighten your right leg in front of you. Do as many repetitions as you can without losing your balance. Move slowly and maintain control during the exercise. If you feel off balance, stop, bend both knees toward your chest to regain your balance and start over.

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Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.