You may associate a ball with the sport it corresponds with -- like a basketball, baseball, football, golf ball -- but balls are also used for exercise workouts. There are many to choose from depending on your fitness goal. They're available in various sizes, weights and shapes.
Best General Purpose Ball
The Bender Ball is an inflatable rubber ball about 8 inches in diameter that makes a variety of exercises, such as abdominal crunches, easier to do. Developed by trainer Leslee Bender, the Bender Ball is used for back support for ab exercises. You can also hold it between your thighs, knees or ankles for other exercises that work your core and other muscles. The Bender Ball comes with a workout DVD that features instructions, exercises to strengthen your core and tips on how to relax tight muscles.
Best Stability Ball
Stability balls are used to improve stability, strength and balance. Resembling an over-sized rubber ball, a stability ball comes in sizes ranging from 20 to 36 inches in diameter. Stability balls help you work major muscle groups like your abdominals, glutes, back and hips. To use one, simply sit on the ball and maintain balance while performing exercises. Learn how to incorporate a stability ball into your workout routine with the Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit. It features an anti-burst stability ball, inflation pump, a workout DVD designed by fitness expert Tanja Djelevi and a resistance band. Use the stability ball and resistance band together to challenge, tone and sculpt your entire body while following the DVD. Also, replace your standard chair with a stability ball to work core muscles all day long.
Best Medicine Ball
Medicine balls come in various shapes, sizes, materials and weights, but usually resemble a basketball. Some are filled with sand while others are filled with air. It's easy to incorporate a medicine ball into your workout routine. Typically, a medicine ball is used while performing situps. Medicine balls may be used in other ways too. Replace dumbbells with one or use it while performing lunges or leg raises. The latest trend is making the medicine ball more user friendly by incorporating handles. Rated the top medicine ball on Bestcovery.com, the First Place Core Ball features an air-filled rubber shell and two handles, which allow for better grip and better handling during exercises that require swinging or ball rotation.
Best BOSU Ball
A BOSU ball looks like half of an inflated stability ball attached to a straight, solid base. The BOSU ball improves balance as well as your core muscles. Users can use either side of the BOSU ball when exercising. Personal fitness experts at AsktheTrainer.com claim the BOSU is great for everyone, no matter what your fitness level and that it provides a full-body workout just as well as an elliptical machine can. The BOSU Balance Trainer Home Version supports many kinds of exercises including squats, crunches and curls. Favorably reviewed in magazines such as "Self," "Men's Health," "Men's Fitness" and "Shape," the Balance Trainer comes with a fitness DVD, foot pump and exercise manual.
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