Body Sculpting How-Tos

How To: Do a pullover back exercise with a medicine ball

If you are looking for a different exercise to work the back muscles, try the med ball pullover. The largest muscle in the back is scientifically known as the latissimus dorsi. You might see it referred to as the "lats" or "wings." The lats are used any time you pull something. For example, when you open a fridge or a car door, you are primarily using your lat muscles.

How To: Do a lat pulldown with resistance back exercise

The largest muscle in the back is scientifically known as the latissimus dorsi. You might see it referred to as the "lats" or "wings." The lats are used any time you pull something. For example, when you open a fridge or a car door, you are primarily using your lat muscles. The lat pulldown with resistance tubing is a great way to target the back muscles.

How To: Do back hyperextension exercises on a stability ball

The stability ball hyperextension works to strengthen the lower back. Begin by placing your stomach/chest on a stability ball. Your legs should be shoulder width apart and fully extended against a wall behind you. The wall is used to provide leverage during the back extension. Place your hands either on side of the ball or crossed in front of your chest. Next, lift your chest off the ball until the lower back is fully flexed, then slowly return to the starting position. To add difficulty to t...

How To: Do a bilateral superman back exercise

The superman exercise can be used to work the lower back (erector spinae muscle). This exercise also works the hamstrings, butt, and shoulders. Some experts maintain that the superman exercise overloads the spine in a potentially unsafe manner. Thus, contralateral supermans are usually preferred. The contralateral superman exercise involves raising only one arm and the opposing leg (e.g. left arm, right leg). With this technique, there is a reduced load on the lumbar spine. The following are ...

How To: Do a contralateral superman back exercise

The contralateral superman exercise is ideal for working the lower back (erector spinae muscle). This exercise also works the hamstrings, butt, and shoulders. Some experts maintain that traditional supermans overload the spine in a potentially unsafe manner. Thus, contralateral supermans are usually the recommended alternative. With this technique, there is a reduced load on the lumbar spine. The following are instructions for contralateral supermans:

How To: Do a ball exchange abs exercise

The ball exchange is a fairly simple exercise that can be used to work the core muscles. It should be noted that this exercise requires extensive use of the hip flexors. These muscles reside on the uppermost part of the thigh, and are activated whenever the legs are elevated off the ground from a supine (on your back) position. Supine leg elevation can put a strain on the lumbar spine. Thus, the ball exchange is not recommended for those with lower back issues.

How To: Do a towel crunch abs exercise

The towel crunch is similar to the traditional abdominal crunch. The purpose of the towel is to stabilize the head and provide comfort. It also takes away the tendency to want to pull the chin forward into the chest, which compromises the cervical spine.

How To: Do a hip roll ab exercise

The hip roll is great if you are looking to target the midsection. This exercise is used to target the oblique muscles, which occupy the sides of the midsection. The job of the obliques is to assist with rotation of the torso, as well as basic abdominal contractions.