Exercise balls, also called Swiss balls, got their start in the 1960s for use in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The large inflatable balls, made from heavy-duty elastic PVC, come in a variety of sizes from a number of manufacturers. Choose a ball according to your height, and keep it inflated so it depresses about 6 inches when you sit on it.
Light and Portable
Unlike dumbbells, barbells and workout benches, exercise balls are light and portable. Take your workout with you anywhere by slipping the deflated ball into your bag and heading out the door.
Affordable
The heavy-duty material ensures your exercise ball will last for several years if cared for properly, and the balls are cheaper than weight benches and hand weights. Purchasing a stability ball reduces your need for an expensive gym membership, as you can exercise with it from your living room.
Relieves Lower Back Pain
When you sit on an exercise ball, you engage your abdominal and lower back muscles to help keep your body stable. Strong back muscles reduce your risk of lower back injuries. According to "Fitness" magazine, participants who regularly use their exercise ball can improve the muscular endurance in their lower backs significantly.
Engages the Core
The International Sports Science Association recommends working your abdominal muscles on an exercise ball due to the wider range of motion and lower back support it offers. Give your core back and stomach muscles an extra boost by using your exercise ball in place of a bench for strength training exercises. While you work your target muscle group, your core helps keep you balanced and stable.
Adaptable to Your Fitness Level
As your fitness level improves, you can intensify your exercise ball workouts by adding more air. The fuller the ball, the harder your core muscles have to work to keep you balanced. Exercises on the ball range from simple crunches to advanced techniques, so you can always challenge yourself by learning new exercises with your ball.
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