Get a killer core while ya study

The solution? Subbing an exercise ball in for your desk chair.

Sitting on an exercise ball requires you to keep your core muscles—all of ‘em!—engaged just to stay upright. That means while you’re burning the midnight oil, your abs are working, working, working. Take that, spinny chair!

Bonus? Exercise balls also encourage you to sit upright, leading to naturally perfect posture. Sitting and standing up straight makes ya gain inches…and will stop Mom and Dad from pokin’ ya in the back when you’re slouching.

The key to mastering the ball is to start slowly, with just 30 minutes of sitting a day for a few days, and building up to using it exclusively as your new desk chair. Be sure to keep it full of air—and to grab the right size. You can find one at any sporting goods store near you, and check in with a sales associate to make sure you’re getting the one that’s right for you.

BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 12/3/2012 4:18:00 PM

POSTED IN we tried it, workouts, favorite ab workouts, smart girl secrets, lazy girl's workouts, studying secrets