Henbrandt 6 x Extra Large Rubber Bouncy Ball Large - 60 mm in size, Ideal Party Bag Filler

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These ain’t your mama’s push-ups! Take this basic bodyweight move to the next level with a stability ball. To select the best balls for kids, we reviewed guidance from Nemours Children’s Health on toys for every age and how children of all ages play differently, along with guidance from the AAP on how to buy safe toys. Moreover, we reviewed a study on the efficiency of exploratory play for infants and its relation to longer-term cognitive development. We also spoke with Heather Shafi, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in New Jersey, about what to look for in balls for kids and the benefits of ball play for children.

Lie on the floor with arms extended perpendicular to the torso and lower calves and heels on the ball. Engaging glutes and abs, lift hips up from the floor. Use your outstretched arms for stability — you’ll feel a bit wobbly, but that’s OK. Finish up an ab-tastic routine with a bit of a stretch. Stand with legs shoulder-width apart, grasping the ball overhead with both hands.

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Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year-old daughter. Maya’s kids are all super, super active, and her house, yard, garage, and even minivan trunk have a huge variety of balls. Since her kids are older, she makes all ball playing take place outdoors to keep her windows and TV safe. She loves keeping a ball in the car trunk. If she ends up at a park or open area, she can always give her kids a ball and know they will create some kind of fun game.

For this move, consider using a ball that’s not the perfect fit. A larger ball makes this move more difficult, while a smaller ball is a little easier on your thighs. Get stronger tris with this adapted dip exercise. Sit on the ball with legs forming 90-degree angles and feet hip-width apart. Place hands on either side of hips and slowly scoot hips forward so they’re a few inches in front of the ball.

Lower torso toward the floor until upper arms are parallel to the floor. Return to the “up” push-up position and continue for 8–10 reps — or more, if you can hang. 16. Standing plank Make sure knee of front foot does not go past toes. This advanced move will test stability as well as strength, so shoot for 8–10 reps on each side, or as many as you can do with proper form. Keep those hips up the whole time to get maximum gluteus maximus benefits. Aim for 10–12 reps of this total-body move. 12. Squat and reach