Belly-blasting stability ball circuit

Tired of ab workouts that are a real pain in the neck? Make the switch from the conventional Captain Crunch sit-up routine, to this belly-blasting stability ball circuit, which will carve your core and keep your gut guessing.

Disclaimer: Abs are made in the kitchen. Unfortunately, you cannot out-exercise a poor diet. So if your stomach looks more like a kicked keg than a six-pack, it may be time to rethink how you fuel your body. However, you can begin to combat that jelly belly with this abs-olutely awesome abdominal workout:

Tummy Tuck.  If you want to win the core campaign on your gym's fitness floor, take this move to ab alley and have your fellow meatheads bow in admiration. The Pike is one of the most impressive abdominal exercises in that it requires balance, stability and overall strength in order to execute it properly. That being said, this exercise does take practice. Don't go punting the stability ball across the gym if things don't go your way the first few attempts. In order to mount the ball, rest it against a wall for support. Slowly place both feet on top of the ball, and walk your hands out until your body is in a plank position. Shoulders are aligned over the wrists, while the lower half of the shins, ankles and feet are on the ball. Engage your abs and slowly pull your legs in, so your thighs are perpendicular with the ground. 12-15 Repetitions.

Toss Off.  Why should your handles get all of the love? Tone your tummy, inner thighs and arms with this total body exercise. While on your back, place the stability ball firmly between the legs and squeeze. Pull from your upper and lower abs to pass the ball from the legs to the hands. Bring the ball behind the head and then activate the abs again to return the ball back to the legs. Remember to keep your lower back flush against the mat during the leg-lowering phase of this exercise in order to prevent injury. 20-25 Repetitions.

Side Splitter.  Try this oblique exercise and watch that flab turn to fab. Begin by resting the side of your body on the ball with both hands behind your head, and your feet on the floor. Engage your oblique muscles by lifting your body off the ball and holding this position for several counts.  Return to the starting position and repeat 20 times. Once completed, switch sides and repeat.

Ab exercises can be hard to stomach. Whittling away your waistline works by keeping your eye on the stability ball.

Earn it.

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