MUSCLES ENGAGED Abdominals The abdominal muscles (abs) provide movement and support to your core area. The deeper and closer to the spine the particular abdominal muscle is, the more effect over body posture it will have, and this often contributes significantly to a healthy back. Equipment Used Medicine Ball A medicine ball (also known as an exercise ball, med ball, or fitness ball) is a weighted ball roughly the diameter of the shoulders (approx. 14 inches). Medicine balls come in a variety of weights from 2lbs. to 30lbs. and can be made of hard plastic, dense rubber or synthetic leather material. Exercise Instructions Step 1 Start on your back with your legs straight and your arms stretched back behind your head while holding on to a medicine ball. Step 2 Raise your legs off the floor and crunch up towards your shins. Step 3 Lower your body back down to the starting position and repeat.