Description

The transfer crunch – which is one of the better swiss ball exercises - is an excellent way to strengthen the abdominal region. Due to the great deal of flexibility, coordination and abdominal strength required for each repetition, beginners often find the movement difficult to perform. Therefore, this movement is best suited for more experienced trainees.

Execution

1. While lying with your back to the mat, extend the arms overhead while firmly gripping the sides of an exercise ball.
2. Exhale, crunch upwards and draw the extended arms and feet towards each other.
3. Place the exercise ball between your feet, inhale and while keeping your arms and legs straight, lower them back down to starting position at a controlled speed.
   Tip: Do not allow the exercise ball or feet to make contact with the ground.. Doing so will keep the tension on the abdominal region.
4. Repeat the movement only this time, the sequence is reversed. You’ll be passing the ball from your feet to your hands.
5. Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.

Variations

Replacing the exercise ball with a smaller, yet heavier medicine ball will increase the both the resistance and range of motion of the exercise, thus increasing the difficulty. (Transitioning the ball from your hands to your feet is a little trickier using this method.)