Exercise balls serve a variety of purposes with uses from improving balance to strengthening your core. The balls come in different sizes to accommodate different body sizes and heights. They are also known as stability balls or fitness balls and are very affordable, making them feasible for almost anyone who wants a piece of functional workout equipment.
Office Chair Replacement
The traditional rolling office chair is often uncomfortable and doesn't provide any strengthening benefits. Replace that old chair with an exercise ball that allows you to sit comfortably at your desk. The ball conforms to your body making it a soft place to sit. In order to balance on the ball, you need to engage your core muscles. The constant use of those muscles helps strengthen them for an overall improvement in balance and posture. Because your posture is improved, you may notice fewer aches, especially in your back.
Strength Training
The exercise ball adds another component to a strength training routine. A number of strength moves work with a stability ball, including crunches, lunges and push-ups. For push-ups or the plank pose, place the ball under your lower legs and feet with your arms on the floor. Hold the position for the plank or press your body up and down for a push-up. A crunch is performed while seated on the ball. Lean back on the ball and sit back up to perform the crunch. Hold the exercise ball in front or above you as you perform crunches and lunges.
Stretching
Stability balls offer a method of stretching the muscles to enhance your overall fitness and well-being. Reaching forward as you sit on the exercise ball is one method of stretching. Another option is to lie on top of the ball with your feet and hands on the floor on opposite sides of the ball. This stretches both your abs and back muscles. Lie over the ball on your side for additional stretching.
Childbirth Aid
For pregnant women, an exercise ball serves as a tool during childbirth. Sitting on the ball helps open the pelvis to encourage the baby to move down. Laboring women often find the sitting position more comfortable. The ball also works well as support if the woman wants to get on all fours. The ball supports her upper body in this position.
Member Comments