Take bicep curls to a new level -- while strengthening your arms and core

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same exercises the same old way. The problem is that you might get bored -- and your results might not be as good as they could be. Try this new, simple way to do basic bicep curls. You’ll challenge more muscles in your core while developing stronger arms with more shape than ever before. As you progress, remember to increase your resistance so you can reshape faster.

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1 Begin on a padded, nonslippery surface. Kneel in front of a large stability ball holding 5- to 8-pound dumbbells. Start with your toes curled under. Position your torso against the front of the ball. Keep your arms extended downward, palms facing up. Straighten your legs, rolling out on the ball until your body creates a straight line from head to toes.

2 Maintain that straight line with your body as you curl your hands to your shoulders, then slowly release your arms down. Do not allow your hands to drop quickly. Also, make sure you have a slight bend in the front of your elbows -- to help protect your joints. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.

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

-- Karen Voight