Medicine ball exercises are simple, surprisingly challenging and perfect for a pair of workout partners. For each of the following exercises, you'll want a medicine ball that's eight pounds or heavier, depending on your fitness level.
Ball Exercise 1: Reach-Arounds
Stand back-to-back with your chest up and abs tight. Hold the medicine ball at chest level with your arms extended. Rotate your torso to the right and hand him the ball; then rotate to take it back from him on the opposite side. Do this about 10 times; then change directions.
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Ball Exercise 2: The Over and Under
Stand back-to-back with your feet shoulder-width apart and abs tight. Hold the medicine ball at chest level with your arms extended. Bend and hand the ball between your legs to your fiance; then stand and let him hand it back over his head to you. Repeat 10 times; then change directions.
Ball Exercise 3: Toss Crunches
Sit on the floor facing each other, with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent (your toes should be touching his). Lie back, holding the medicine ball over your head, and then crunch forward and toss it to your fiance. He'll repeat the movement after catching the ball. Aim for 20 to 30 reps.
Ball Exercise 4: Toss Squats
Stand facing each other. Hold the medicine ball at chest level and squat down. As you stand up, toss the ball in a fairly high arc to your fiance. When catching the ball, bend your arms to bring it to chest level and return to a squat. Do this about 10 to 20 times.
The Bottom Line
Being a bride-to-be offers creative ways to change your fitness routine and avoid a plateau. Getting your fiance involved can make it twice as fun.
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