BALLS TO THE WALL

Exercise balls aren’t just for abs and rehab. Try this trainerapproved workout to build muscle, strength, and stability.

- KEVIN GRAY

SWISS BALL, STABILITY BALL, physio ball, exercise ball. It goes by many names, but the big, round ball that inhabits the corner of every gym is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment at your disposal. It’s not just for the core, either—it can be paired with weights or utilized on its own for a variety of upper- and lower-body exercises that will build serious muscle and strength.

PLANK WITH FEET ON BALL

Get into a standard plank position— your hands underneath your shoulders while the tops of your feet rest on a Swiss ball. Take a moment to get settled, then hold for approximately 45 seconds.

INVERTED ROW

Set a bar high enough in a power rack so that you can hang from it a few inches off the floor with arms fully extended. Placing your feet on a Swiss ball and using a shoulder-width grip, pull yourself to the bar. That’s 1 rep.