As kids, there was absolutely nothing more fun than playing with a ball; so simple and enjoyable. Unfortunately, as we age and grow, we forget about the ball and it never gets played with again. But, the end of childhood does not mean that a simple and enjoyable inflatable ball can't have a permanent place in our lives. These days, there are inflatable balls that are made for adults to have fun with; namely the exercise ball.

Sit on an exercise ball and put your feet flat to the floor. Gently allow the ball to roll back as you let your body move with it. Do this until your torso and thighs are parallel to the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and raise your torso to a forty five degree angle. Hold this position for a few seconds before releasing and allowing yourself to slowly go back down. The closer you place your feet together, the more balance is needed, and in turn, will make you work harder.

Next there is the stability ball, hip flexion lower abdominal exercise, sometimes called a knee tuck. Begin with your shins balancing on the top of the stability ball and your arms in a push-up position. Next you will tuck your knees in under your body as you roll the ball ever closer to your hands. Elevate your rear as your back comes up in a hunched position. If done properly, your abs will contract.

Another tough but effective stability ball lower ab exercise is the plank hold. The stability ball plank hold is similar to floor planks, but the unbalanced aspect of the ball makes this exercise much more challenging for your core than the standard floor plank. To do the stability ball plank hold, you will position yourself on your toes, with your forearms on the top of the ball. When trying to maneuver this one, be careful. If you have never tried this one before, then you will soon discover that it takes quite a bit of balance to pull it off. Continue holding the plank position on the ball while you make slight body adjustments back and forth in each direction with your elbows. Try holding this one for sixty to ninety seconds.

You can do squats with a stability ball. All you need to do is hold the ball between the wall and your lower back. Slowly bend at the knees and hips in order to get into a sitting position. Be sure that the ball stays between you and the wall or you will fall. Now return to the standing position. Repeat this exercise between eight and ten times to strengthen the belly, legs and hips.

These terrific stomach exercises are a great way for you to get in shape and enjoy something you hadn't thought about since you were a kid; an exercise ball. They can be challenging, but they also amp up your ab workout in order to achieve those sculpted six pack abs you have always wanted. Don't wait; start today.