Swiss Exercise Ball
There have been many new pieces of equipment made available to help when exercising. But of all of these one that is now proving very popular with men and women alike is the Swiss exercise ball. This is a piece of equipment that enables a person to improve not only their strength and posture but increase endurance and core stability.
For many people using this form of exercise equipment they have found that it helps them become more aware of how their body works when exercising. These people are then able to recognize which exercises they use on this piece of equipment are really making a difference to the way their body looks and feels.
 | Two inspired ideas join forces: the Swiss exercise ball and the concept of a workout for all the muscles of the body core. Working out while sitting or lying on the inflatable ball-which comes in sizes from 18 to 30 inches-stimulates the sense of equilibrium and promotes synergy between muscle groups. The workouts, which use dumbbells or ankle weights to tone muscles and promote weight loss, also build better coordination, improve posture, and equalize the tensions that cause stiffness and back pain. The wide choice of routines-all of which include strength and cardio-provide an exciting change from traditional weight training. Fitness buffs will get results...and have a ball! |   Overstock.com |
 | A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly acclaimed fitness techniques: Pilates Method and the Swiss exercise ball.* Non-impact Pilates exercises on the ball can be adapted for all levels of ability, from fitness trainers and weekend athletes to those healing from injury or chronic back pain.* Shows how to practice Pilates techniques without expensive equipment.* Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs for maximal learning. The Pilates Method of body conditioning is a highly effective workout technique that strengthens the body while engaging the mind. Developed in the early twentieth century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method aligns the body; builds long, lean muscles; and develops core abdominal strength. Many lifestyle and fitness magazines have named Pilates the hottest workout of the decade. In a first-of-its-kind fusion, Pilates on the Ball merges the principles and exercises of the highly effective Pilates Method of body conditioning with the unique functions of the exercise ball, used by Olympic coaches, dancers, and athletes to fine-tune body awareness and enhance physical performance. The ball magnifies the benefits of the carefully developed and refined Pilates Method. Because maintaining balance on the ball recruits the deep, stabilizing muscles of the spine, the postural muscles are strengthened. The ball intensifies athletic performance by increasing resistance and heightening awareness of how the body moves in space. Chapters detail the Pilates principles step by step, with successive movements to challenge all levels of ability and watch points for careful evaluation of your form. Intense enough to engage seasoned athletes yet accessible enough to use as an everyday exercise routine or to alleviate chronic pain, Pilates on the Ball builds strong bodies and engaged minds. | Overstock.com |
 | with Tim McClellan, (M. S., C. S. C. S.) Looking to maximize core stability? Get it done with Tim McClellan's On the Ball Swiss Ball Training! In this video, McClellan offers detailed explanation and demonstration of 77 effective core strengthening exercises that the Swiss Ball enables an athlete to perform. The first two sections of the video show stabilization progressions ranging from simple to complex exercises. McClellan then moves you into Dynamic Core Exercises in both prone and supine positions. The next section offers Swiss Ball strength training exercises with and without weights. The final section is dedicated to pre hab upper extremity stabilization exercises. This comprehensive video is appropriate for athletes at any level looking to increase core body strength. Discover what athletes all over the world are finding out - these exercises REALLY work! 30 minutes. 2002. ISBN 1-56404-903-5. | Online Sports |
 | Physioballs or Swiss exercise balls are commonly used in physical therapy for rehabilitation. In the past several years, however, they have been utilized in general strength-fitness and flexibility programs. Physioball Core, Flexibility, and Functional-Strength Exercises for Seniors features a strength-fitness and flexibility program that incorporates Physioballs, as well as floor mats and an individual's own bodyweight, for a mild-to-vigorous program to enhance and develop basic strength, flexibility, and balance. The program featured on the DVD is easy to follow and can be used by an individual or in small-to-large groups. Although the programs in the DVD were designed for senior adults, the exercises can be employed by people of all ages and abilities. The exercise programs are appropriate for a beginner, as well as a person seeking a more advanced training program. The functional strength-training program in the DVD emphasizes the muscles of the core, while strengthening the whole body. Donna utilizes her extensive knowledge and background in physical therapy to build a combination of traditional strength-training exercises and stability exercises to help strengthen the parts of the body that are used the most, such as the abdominal and back muscles. This form of training is ideal for anyone who wants to condition their body, particularly the core muscle groups. | Online Sports |
 | Features a 45-minute DVD and the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball Includes a visual demonstration of selected exercises from the Pilates ball workout described in detail in the accompanying book The book Pilates on the Ball has sold 90,000 copies since October 2001 182 b&w photographs and illustrationsIn her bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, certified Pilates trainer Colleen Craig combines the effectiveness of the Pilates workout with the unique capabilities of the Swiss exercise ball, providing an innovative and low-impact way to stay fit. Now she offers a DVD in which numerous exercises from the book are demonstrated, accompanied by Craig's vocal coaching that explains each step of the exercises. While the book Pilates on the Ball contains over 160 photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions, many users prefer to see the exercises demonstrated live in real time. The accompanying DVD allows readers to see exactly how to position the body throughout each phase of the exercise and also to see what pitfalls can occur and how to easily prevent them. Most important of all, the DVD allows the user to follow along as if in a class setting. The Pilates on the Ball book and DVD workout shows users of all levels of fitness how to maximize the use of the ball in order to increase athletic performance, build long lean muscles, and tone the abdominal core. The DVD allows readers to take the exercises to new levels of understanding and effectiveness as they put the exercises contained in the book into practice. | Overstock.com |
Initially when using a Swiss exercise ball you will feel unstable on this but after a while when your core muscles become more stabilized so you will feel less unstable. The core muscles which this type of equipment helps to stabilize are those in your back and abdomen. As these become more stabilized you will find that not only do these muscles become far stronger but have more endurance.
However there are certain things which one must do to ensure that you are using your exercise ball correctly. Below we take a look at just what these are.
1. When exercising to help ensure that you maintain your balance correctly using a Swiss exercise ball make sure that you focus on a point in front of you.
2. It is crucial that when you use this piece of equipment that you have plenty of space available around you. Remember you are going to be moving about quite a bit on this piece of equipment when carrying out various exercises.
3. As you work out make sure that you regulate your breathing. As you do each exercise make sure that you take normal but controlled breaths as you do them. This will help to further ensure that the muscles being used remain as relaxed as possible.
4. When working on a difficult phase of your exercises it is important that you ensure that you exhale as you do these. Whilst when carrying out the easier part of the exercise this is when inhalation should take place.
5. Also when doing any exercise movements on this type of equipment you need to ensure that you control them properly. Again through the right breathing techniques you will find that this can be much more easily achieved.
6. Before beginning any workout using such a piece of equipment make sure that you warm up correctly first. Warming up will ensure that all muscles in your body are relaxed and the chances of an injury occurring during exercise is reduced.
7. Finally when you have finished using your Swiss exercise ball make sure that you perform some stretching exercises. Again doing this will help to ensure that the muscles don’t become damaged.
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