Exercise Balls for Dummies
Strengthening your core stomach and back muscles are important when you get in shape. In the old days, folks only worked on their abs. Today the main focus is on the core muscles, which naturally include the abdominals. Core training workouts now include the addition of exercise balls or gym balls to the routine.
Choosing the right exercise ball for your core muscle training is a must. There are so many choices out there when in comes to exercise balls. Exercise balls cover a wide range from stability balls to bosu balls, medicine balls and even hand therapy balls. Most folks now prefer the stability ball to work out their core muscles. A smaller version of the stability ball called the Bender Ball, is gaining in popularity due to the fact some people discovered it works far better and quicker.
Medicine balls frequently are for weight training but recently have found their way into the spotlight of core training. Medicine balls come in various weights ranging from two pounds to over twenty pounds. Medicine balls are also called fitness balls or exercise balls which make it more confusing if you have just started looking around.
Stability balls come in all sizes and cost ranges. They are also tagged under various names such as Exercise Balls, Fitness Balls, Swiss balls, Balance Balls and Bosu Balls. Bosu Balls look like a ball that has been cut in half. In addition, there is a new one called the Ballast Ball which as the term implies contains a weight that keeps the ball from rolling around. However, this defeats one of the main objectives of a stability ball which is to work out your muscles while you struggle to keep it balanced.
When you are ready to buy, the first rule is to match the ball size to your height. Individuals between 4'11" and 5'4" need to select a 55 cm. If your height is 5'5" to 5'11" select a ball that is 65 cm. If you are over 6 feet but less than 6'8", go for the 75 cm ball. If you are over 6'8", get the 85 cm ball. Try out the ball if it's available. A basic rule of thumb is your hips must be level with your knees if not a bit higher when you sit on the ball.
Get an exercise ball that can handle your weight. If you're overweight, look for one that supports your additional pounds. A lot of producers now have exercise balls that are burst-proof up to 600 pounds.
Lastly, find an exercise ball that has a slip resistant texture. This helps maintain your body on the ball without it scooting away from you as you do your workouts.
Choosing the right exercise ball for your core muscle training is a must. There are so many choices out there when in comes to exercise balls. Exercise balls cover a wide range from stability balls to bosu balls, medicine balls and even hand therapy balls. Most folks now prefer the stability ball to work out their core muscles. A smaller version of the stability ball called the Bender Ball, is gaining in popularity due to the fact some people discovered it works far better and quicker.
Medicine balls frequently are for weight training but recently have found their way into the spotlight of core training. Medicine balls come in various weights ranging from two pounds to over twenty pounds. Medicine balls are also called fitness balls or exercise balls which make it more confusing if you have just started looking around.
Stability balls come in all sizes and cost ranges. They are also tagged under various names such as Exercise Balls, Fitness Balls, Swiss balls, Balance Balls and Bosu Balls. Bosu Balls look like a ball that has been cut in half. In addition, there is a new one called the Ballast Ball which as the term implies contains a weight that keeps the ball from rolling around. However, this defeats one of the main objectives of a stability ball which is to work out your muscles while you struggle to keep it balanced.
When you are ready to buy, the first rule is to match the ball size to your height. Individuals between 4'11" and 5'4" need to select a 55 cm. If your height is 5'5" to 5'11" select a ball that is 65 cm. If you are over 6 feet but less than 6'8", go for the 75 cm ball. If you are over 6'8", get the 85 cm ball. Try out the ball if it's available. A basic rule of thumb is your hips must be level with your knees if not a bit higher when you sit on the ball.
Get an exercise ball that can handle your weight. If you're overweight, look for one that supports your additional pounds. A lot of producers now have exercise balls that are burst-proof up to 600 pounds.
Lastly, find an exercise ball that has a slip resistant texture. This helps maintain your body on the ball without it scooting away from you as you do your workouts.