Posts Tagged ‘exercise ball’
Exercise Ball Exercises
Through the use of exercise ball exercises one is able to work on not just improving your balance and coordination but working every muscle in the body. Plus for those who suffer from back problems doing some exercises regularly with an exercise ball can help to alleviate these.
Even just sitting on the exercise ball can help with make improvements. This is because you are immediately required to make sure that your posture is right so that the ball remains central underneath you. Then as a person feels more confident they can start to incorporate more complicated and difficult exercises into their exercise ball regime.
As for people who suffer with lower back problems they will find that they can use this piece of equipment for a number of different purposes. Remember above we talked about them using it to improve their posture. Well using this piece of fitness equipment can help them to improve the lower backs (lumbar) mobility as well as strengthen the muscles not just in their abdomen but their back. The stronger these muscles are then the much less pressure and stress being placed on the lower back as they provide more support to it.
Finally for anyone who chooses to do exercise ball exercises over time they will find that their balance and stability on this piece of fitness apparatus improves. This is because over time they have developed more control and strength over the body’s muscles including the core ones.
When first using an exercise ball it is important that one gets use to the feel of it beneath oneself. So for the few uses you should just sit on it for around 30 minutes and bounce very lightly on it each day. Then over time you will gradually start yourself finding that you can maintain your balance on it more easily.
A further position that one can consider trying out when using this piece of equipment for the first time is one that enables you to find a neutral position to support your lumbar spine. One such position is to slouch slightly on the ball so that the lower and upper parts of your back become rounded. Then as you if you were sat on the ball you should bounce very lightly on it. You must however make sure that you allow your body to find the right straightened posture position. If you do this then this will help to ensure that you remain balanced on the ball.
Even the slightest changing in your position when doing any exercise ball exercises will cause your centre of gravity to be altered. So you will find it far harder to remain stable on the ball and this will result in you not doing the exercises correctly. Which will result in the muscles not be worked properly and of course the opportunity to strengthen and tone them further will prove even more difficult.
Exercise Ball Workouts
Looking for a cost effective way to improve your overall health? Then why consider using an exercise ball. Through using the right sorts of exercise ball workouts one is improving not just specific areas of the body but it as a whole. This is because they require you to use all muscles at any one time when doing any particular exercises including the core ones.
Along with allowing you to work far more of your body at any given time this piece of equipment takes up considerably less space than a treadmill or rowing machine does. Plus you can carry out exercise ball workouts in the comfort of your own home.
So what kinds of exercises are suitable for one to carry out as part of a workout regime that involves the use of an exercise ball? Below we look at some of the basic exercises that if you invest money in an exercise ball can be incorporated into your daily workouts.
Exercise 1 – Incline Dumbbell Chest Press
With this exercise you sit on the floor with your upper back resting against the ball making sure that your feet are flat on the floor. Plus your knees must be bent so that your hips will drop to the floor. Now take a set of dumbbells and hold them so that they are in line with your shoulders and very slowly lift them towards the ceiling. As you raise the dumbbells make sure that your lower arm remains perpendicular to the floor.
Exercise 2 – Squat and Press
For this exercise you need to be stood upright but with your knees bent slightly. Now take the ball and hold it up in front of your face. This is the position from which you start and then finish. Once you feel comfortably slowly bend your knees to the side so that you lower the exercise ball towards the floor. You will find that you that the movement you are making is similar that you would do when doing squats. Now you need to raise the ball making sure that your legs and arms are extended fully so that it looks like you are pushing the ball towards the ceiling ensuring that you raise it above your head. Now remove to the original position and repeat this exercise.
Exercise 3 – Crunches
You need to be laid down on the ball in a supine position making sure that your body is draped over the ball. Plus also make sure that you extend your arms out behind you. Now take your hands so that they are placed over and across your chest. Once in this position you must very slowly raise your head, neck, shoulders and chest along with the rest of your spine off the ball making sure that you use only your abdominal muscles. When you reach a position that you find comfortable very slowly gradually lower your body back down again and repeat the movement again.
If you really want your exercise ball workouts to prove effective then it is important that you carry out exercises like these on a regular basis. Every other day should suffice and you should do at least 5 to 8 reps of each exercise at least 3 times when working out.
[nmtk-prosperent keyword="exercise ball workouts"]
Pilates Ball Exercises
| 10 Minute Solution: Pilates on the Ball |
![]() |
Overall Rating: |
| Retail Price: $14.98 |
| Amazon Price: $5.50 |
Through using the right exercises with your Pilates ball you are soon going to find that your body becomes much more toned as a result of your using more muscles. But not only using this equipment helps to improve and strengthen all muscles within the body it improves the way in which your heart functions. This is as a result of the flow of blood through the body being regulated far better. This in turn means that your body is being provided with far more oxygen, plus minerals and vitamins that it needs to function more effectively.
When used correctly doing the right sorts of Pilates ball exercises one will soon begin to notice changes in one’s body. The back becomes more flexible along with the rest of the body. Plus the mid section that carries a great deal of the body’s way is strengthened so the chances of suffering from back issues is reduced.
If you are thinking of now investing money in a Pilates exercise ball it is important that you purchase one that is the right size for you weight. Choosing one that is for use for people who weigh less than you it will prove a lot easier to remain stable on the ball so actually working all the bodies muscles won’t be achieved. Plus you may well find that you place your weight on to it and it immediately deflates.
If you are unsure as to what size you need then there are plenty of places online that can offer advice and information on how to select the right one for you. It is also worth visiting a local sports store and try several models that they have available out. This way you can not only determine which size is appropriate for you but also which one you feel most comfortable using.
Along with purchasing your Pilates exercise ball it is a good idea to purchase a DVD or book showing how to carry out Pilates ball exercises. Plus you may find it beneficial to attend your local gym so that you can participate in some classes. This way you can be assured that the exercises you do using your Pilates ball at home will be done correctly. If you make sure that you do them properly then there is more chance of you seeing improvements in your physique and the way you feel far more quickly.
[nmtk-prosperent keyword="Pilates Ball Exercises"]

