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Stability Ball Exercises: 6 Questions You Should
Ask
Are you looking to shake up your boring old exercise regime? If
so think about giving stability balls a try! The stability ball
is a somewhat new exercise trend but it is quickly becoming a
way to increase the effectiveness of many exercise moves and is
a great way to bring some excitement into your fitness routine.
Stability ball exercises can be incorporated into virtually any
exercise program. Are stability ball exercises right for you?
Read below to check out some of the most commonly asked
questions others have had about stability ball exercises.
1. Why should I use a stability ball?
Compared to traditional mat exercises stability ball exercises
force you to work harder and involve engaging more muscles to
remain balanced on the ball. When working with a stability ball
the primary focus is the abdominal and lower back, the core of
the body. Stability ball exercises increase the strength
present in both of these areas helping to improve posture and
balance and assist with managing lower back pain.
2. What kinds of people can use a stability ball?
Stability balls can be used by people in different levels of
physical fitness. A stability ball is a popular option for
those new to physical fitness. Because of the position of the
body on the ball it allows a beginner to better understand and
feel how each exercise should feel and prevents them from
overstraining. Stability ball exercises are a popular choice of
athletes who use them to provide a more challenging
workout.
3. How do I correctly complete stability ball
exercises?
When first starting out its important to focus not on repeated
movements but learning how to do each movement properly.
Concentrate on how each movement feels to ensure you are not
putting additional stress on your body. It’s important to
continue to breathe normally while completing stability ball
exercises to prevent becoming nauseous or dizzy. Before
starting any exercises you should make sure you are properly
situated on the stability ball.
To ensure you are properly completing stability ball exercises
it’s important to read all instructions carefully. When using
the stability ball in your home remember to place the ball on a
carpeted or padded floor so if you fall you don’t injure
yourself. Just like when using any other piece of exercise
equipment athletic shoes should be worn to provide proper
balance and stability.
4. Are their any dangers associated in using stability ball
exercises?
Like any other piece of exercise equipment injury is possible
using a stability ball. As always consult with your doctor to
make sure you are well enough physical condition to complete
stability ball exercises. Stability ball exercises can be used
by people who suffer from some forms of back pain but are
probably not a good idea for anyone suffering from severe lower
back pain.
5. What types of exercises can I complete on a stability
ball?
The range of exercises available for use on a stability ball
are almost endless. A stability ball can be used to increase
flexibility and warm up your muscles by completing full body
stretches using the stability ball. Traditional strengthening
exercises such as pushups and crunches are popular stability
ball exercises as well. In fact while using a stability ball
resistance bands, weights and other exercise equipment can be
added depending on your needs.
6. What kind of stability ball do I need?
Not all stability balls are created equal! The stability ball
you choose should depend on your height and weight. Consider
how intense a workout you want on the stability ball, the more
intense your workout needs the more durable brand of stability
ball you should choose. Remember the more you want from your
stability ball to complete more strenuous stability ball
exercises the more you will probably have to pay.
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