Exercise Ball Routine

You've probably come across execise ball routines, but most of us don't have the time to join a gym and let's face it, many people who do, just don't keep up their membership. However, it's possible to tone your body at home, with a few pieces of inexpensive equipment and an exercise ball is a good starting point.

Doing Exercise Ball Routines at Home

You see pictures of people rolling and stretching on giant exercise balls at the local gym. It can take a while to get the hang of using one, but there are plenty of videos and magazine articles which will get you on the right track and in fact, you don't even need those, as your own ball should come with a set of instructions for a variety of exercises. You can use this to set up your own routine, one which you can fit in with your schedule and which targets the parts of your body you wish to tone.

Why has the exercise ball become so popular lately? One of the biggest benefits is its ability to strengthen your core muscles, in other words, the muscles in your abs and back; the ones you think you should be "crunching"into shape. Exercising on a ball means that your abs and back muscles are working hard to keep you balanced. The ball works muscls both at the front and back of your body, creating a more balanced and healthy physique.

Core Muscles and Your Exercise Ball Routine

Although you might actually be targeting a different area, your core muscles are still getting a workout when you do an exercise ball routine. If you have a sedentary job and are stuck at a desk all day, you could well suffer from back, neck, and shoulder pain when you get home in the evening. If this is the case, an exercise ball could really help. In the process of getting those core muscles toned, exercise balls are also improving your posture.

Here's a tip for those of you who work from home, or spend long hours in front of the computer screen - you can improve your posture without the work out - you can simply substitute an exercise ball for your chair. This will enable you to keep the correct posture and work your core while you're at it!

If you've injured your back or hip and are concerned about using a ball, don't worry, it won't aggravate the injury as long as you use it according to the instructions. An exercise ball can be used to support your body while exercising and you may even experience pain relief.

Physical therapists use exercise balls for rehabilitating back injuries. If you do have any form of injury, especially if it causes you pain, be sure to get a professional, either a physio or a qualified gym instructor or personal trainer to teach you how to use an exercise ball.

Exercise balls are also great for flexibility, helping you to stretch farther, and giving you support so you can stretch some muscles more safely. .

So if you've considered using a ball, now is the time to try. Check out a review of the Valeo BodyBall. 

The articles on this site are for information only and are not intended to replace medical advice.  Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.