A FEW MINUTES A DAY: Stability ball oblique lifts

Resistance exercises should be completed after a five- to 10-minute warm up that may consist of a combination of cardiovascular exercises and mild stretching.

When resistance training, complete the exercise eight to 12 times in one set. Complete three sets with 15-second rests between sets.

Keep your movements slow and controlled through the whole lift. You should breathe out on the most difficult part of the lift and inhale on the least difficult part.

1. Ensure you have proper posture before beginning. Even though you will be using the ball for this exercise, your head, shoulders, hips, knees and feet should be properly aligned.
2. Start out in the kneeling base position, kneeling on the floor or mat with the ball at your side.
3. Lay with the ball under one side, keeping one knee on the floor for support.
4. Place your upper hand on the ball for additional support.
5. Place the other hand behind your head, with your elbow open and out of eyesight.
6. Lift your upper body, exhaling on the lift. Repeat on the other side.
7. Avoid pulling your head forward.

Next week: Stability ball side leg lifts