Balance

Balance is something everyone needs. In our lives, our work and our diets. We need to be balanced to be humble and healthy. You might have all these things, and you might think you're balanced, but chances are your exercises aren't.

Bring the balance to your work out and your back will repay you later. Most exercises have no real life purpose like ab crunches (besides bodybuilding). They are not real life movements. Strengthening your core will help you perform better in the gym. You'll have better form, increase your weight and have more agility.

If you love playing sports, there is nothing better you can do then work on your balance. It is the key to preventing injuries. The Phoenix Suns' head strength and conditioning coach Erik Phillips said, "Striking a balance between stability and strength is the basis of basketball training, as well as most other sports. Changing up some of your exercises with a split stance will help you strengthen your core, he says.

Check out this picture of two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and an article on his balance training here.

For John Isner, the 6'9'' 39th ranked tennis player in the world, strength and agility is his biggest focus because of his body frame. Jason Riley, the director of performance at the athlete's compound in Saddlebrook Resort, has Isner do a variety of physio ball exercises to strengthen his core.

Pictured above Isner performs physio ball stabilization. Test your core with this move.

With your hands on the ball kick your feet up to a stool that they can rest in. Keep your abs and gluts tight while you move the ball in a clockwise circle with your hands. Try and hold that as long as you can. Riley says this move is excellent for balance and stability and places pressure on the muscles of the hips as well as those of the front and back of your core.

When you're done, you'll appreciate a strong core.