Exercise balls are an affordable option for adding variety to your fitness program. They can be used to develop strength, balance, agility and flexibility and come in various weights and sizes. Some balls can even be used for massage. Different types of balls can be combined in one workout. For example, you can lie on a stability and toss a medicine ball to your partner while performing crunches. You can also sit on a stability ball while you place a massage ball under one foot.
Stability Balls
Stability balls can be used for strength training, dynamic balance, agility exercise and dynamic flexibility. They range from 55 to 75 centimeters in height and $10 and $50 in price. Some balls are burst-proof, which is advisable for homes with pets or small children. Stability balls are also called balance balls, fitness balls Resist-a-Balls and Fitballs. Recently, the manufacturers of the Bosu, which is actually half a stability ball, created the Ballast Ball. This type of stability ball is filled with a substance that keeps it from rolling away while you perform squats or when you simply want to store the ball.
Medicine Balls
Medicine balls are weighted balls that can weigh anywhere between 2 to 12 pounds. They are used for strength training, agility, balance and plyometric exercise. Prices range between $10 and $40.
Massage Balls
The massage ball concept originated with a technique known as body rolling, which combines flexibility with self-massage. It uses 6 to 10-inch balls that help increase blood flow to tight muscle groups.
Hand Therapy Balls
Hand therapy balls are 1 3/4-inch balls designed to exercise the hands and promote manual dexterity. They usually cost about $6.
Member Comments