Yoga balls are referred to by many different names, including stability balls, exercise balls and fitness balls. Whatever you call them, yoga balls are highly effective pieces of exercise equipment. They are also easy to travel with and relatively inexpensive. Some benefits of adding a yoga ball to your workout include increased core strengthening, improved posture, reduced risk of back injuries and more effective muscle development.
Choosing a Ball
Yoga balls come in different sizes, so it's easy to find the right size ball for you. Sit on different sizes of fitness balls with your feet flat on the floor. As you sit on the ball, your knees should remain at a right angle when your feet are flat on the floor. Smaller exercise balls are also available for more complicated routines.
Added Versatility
A fitness ball can add versatility to your exercise routine. You can increase the level of difficulty in abdominal exercises by increasing the firmness of your exercise ball. This gives you more control over your abdominal workout than traditional floor exercises. Exercising with a stability ball also utilizes additional muscle groups for a more effective workout. For example, doing pushups on an stability ball exercises chest and lower body muscles more than traditional pushups.
Back Support
Another significant benefit in using a yoga ball is back support. Use your ball to support your spine while stretching and exercising to reduce the risk of back strain or spinal injury. This is particularly useful if you suffer from back problems, which is why yoga balls are frequently used and recommended by physical therapists. In addition, exercise balls strengthen the stabilizer muscles that support and protect your spine.
Core Development
A yoga ball is a highly effective way to develop your core muscles, or the deep muscles that help you maintain balance. The need to maintain balance while exercising with the ball activates your body's natural motor reflexes, engaging additional muscle groups. Using your body's core stabilizing muscles not only improves posture and balance, but it also helps prevent injuries from common activities, such as lifting, walking or running.
Additional Considerations
Maintaining proper form while exercising is important to prevent injury. Consult a fitness instructor if you are unsure how to maintain the correct form while exercising with your ball. In addition, some people sit on a yoga ball instead of an office chair to strengthen core muscles and improve posture while working.
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