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Benefits Of Using A Stability Ball In Your Training
By Joe | July 23, 2009
If there is one piece of equipment you should not miss utilizing in your training, it is the stability ball. The market comes up with new training tools every now and then but you may be hesitant to use them because you’re not sure if they do work and if they are safe. One that is guaranteed to work is the stability ball.
What Is a Stability Ball?
This is a large, inflatable ball used as exercise equipment. It is generally heavy-duty and capable of holding 600 to 700 pounds of weight. It is comfortable and gives good support. It may also be known as the physioball or the Swiss Ball.
The good thing about using the stability ball is that it gives some element of ‘play’ as you get tough with your training. It adds some fun and challenges as you advance in the movements and techniques.
Another good point with the ball is that it can be used by anybody. No fitness level is required. It is very portable, light weight and easy to bring along even when traveling. It is also inexpensive compared to other exercise equipment and it could last for a very long time.
How Stability Balls Came About
The use of the stability balls for training can be traced to rehabilitation. As early as the 1900’s, physical therapists have been using balls in addressing the neurological disorders of their patients.
In the early 1960’s, Aquilino Cosani, an Italian toy maker, made a ball and sold it as the ‘Gymnastik’. Two decades later, Cosani came up with a company called Gymnic and became the major supplier of the stability ball to most rehabilitation programs and centers.
The ball then shifted from rehabilitation device to an exercise tool in the 1990’s, to condition the bodies of professional athletes. From then on, the ball was very prominent in the fitness community.
At present, both medical specialists and fitness professionals very much recommend the use of the stability ball by the public. It provides more than just a solution to physical problems. It’s also good in preventing you from having any.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Stability Ball?
The stability ball definitely is best to improve the strength of the abs and the lower back. It improves as well the functional strength, balance and flexibility of the body.
1. Proper Alignment
Using the ball during training will test the body to make use of the different parts to maintain the proper balance. The dynamic movements during exercise will improve the natural motor reflexes of the body as different muscles are utilized in movement, especially the ones that are not usually used. The challenge posed by the ball is to maintain balance. As one aims to get the proper balance, the alignment of the body parts is also improved.
2. Great Abs
For people working out to achieve great abs, this ball can definitely target the abdominal areas. The abs and the back muscles are simultaneously moved as you work to achieve balance. Just imagine the good feeling of having flat, strong abdominal muscles and you will definitely love this ball.
3. Muscle Strength and Endurance
The stability ball can help in alleviating any back pain and preventing it in the future. As all the major muscle groups are exercised, the muscle tone, strength and endurance are also improved. Thus it gives the body flexibility, stability and resistance.
4. Core Stability
This concerns the major muscles that helps stabilize and support all of the body movements. This is made up of back and the deep abdominal muscles. With the ball, no matter how ‘deep’ or ‘into the core’ these muscles are, they are still exercised. This is something only the stability ball can guarantee. If you want an extra workout, sit on the ball for about 20 minutes a day while you watch your favorite show. While you try to balance on it, you are strengthening your core muscles.
5. Stretching
The ball is a good companion during stretching exercises. With this, you can easily move into and move out of different stretching positions.
6. Losing Weight
Of course, with all the good benefits of using the ball, you will not miss out on the aspect of losing weight. With regular exercises and training done with the stability ball, a person can lose unwanted pounds as the body is firmed.
Health is definitely your most important asset. Do your regular exercises and maintain a healthy diet. Most of all, have fun training with your stability ball.
Topics: HSE Articles | 2 Comments »
2 Responses to “Benefits Of Using A Stability Ball In Your Training”
Comments
« Healthy Muscles – Why Muscles Get Sore And What To Do About It | Home | Healthy Benefits Of Stretching »
July 24th, 2009 at 6:25 am
Thanks for posting about this, I would like to read more about this topic.
June 9th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Greetings, I love your article. This is a nice site and I wanted to post a little note to let you know, great job! Thanks Katy
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