The best kind of body conditioning targets the whole body. "Spot toning" is something that people used to talk about frequently, but it is not an effective strategy for fitness. If you want to get lean and shapely, you need to work it all.

How Can I Work All My Muscles?

This is easier said than done, especially if you’re new to fitness. You may find yourself expending a lot of energy doing exercises that aren't very effective – a waste of time.

It can be helpful to use some form of equipment to help you get the most out of your workout, and to help you achieve proper resistance, balance and form. Resistance bands, weights and exercise balls are all good choices.

How Can I Work Out With An Exercise Ball?

There are a number of moves you can do with an exercise ball that will have you toned from head to toe.

Upper Body

Push-ups with feet on the exercise ball. Push-ups are a great exercise that helps tone shoulders, arms and back. With the added challenge of resting your feet on an exercise ball, you add increased balance, which also helps tone and strengthen your core and back.

Abdominals

If you want to work your abdominals , the exercise ball is an effective tool. Try the exercise ball crunch. Lie across the ball, feet flat on the ground with the ball supporting your lower and mid back. Keeping your eyes on the ceiling, perform the crunch.

To target those stubborn lower abs and increase core strength, try an Exercise Ball Pull-in. Start in the pushup position, with your feet on the ball. Then, using your feet and legs, pull the ball in toward your chest. Keep your abdominal muscles engaged while you do this.

Lower Body

Work your glutes with an Exercise Ball Bridge. With the ball supporting head, neck and upper back and feet flat on the floor, extend and raise hips toward the ceiling, then bring them back to the starting position.

Work those hamstrings with the Ball Leg Curl. Lie on the floor and prop your feet up on the ball with legs extended. Now, bring the ball towards you. Push it back.

The exercise ball provides an endless list of moves to tone and tighten your body. If you’ve struggled with meeting your fitness goals, a personal trainer can help by creating a customized workout plan that meets your individual needs.

Not only that, but you will get tons of motivation and one on one time. Ralph Roberts has been helping people meet their goals for years. Find him at the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo.