Discovering The Most Advantageous Stability Ball Workouts
March 10, 2010 by Nick Valenko
Filed under Exercise
Stability balls are a unique piece of fitness equipment that’s both economical and fun. It can easily be used at home while watching TV, and stability ball workouts provide terrific ways to strengthen the body’s core muscles.
Gaining consistent balance on a stability ball is not only an achievement, it’s essential to future workouts. Learning how to balance on a stability ball engages the abdominal muscles, which is where core fitness is centered.
The trick to learning how to use a stability ball is master the art of keeping your balance. This is a lot harder than it may seem, but once you locate your center of gravity when sitting on the ball, other exercises will come more naturally. Also, expect to fall off the ball at least once while finding your balance.
As with all exercises, start slowly and take into account the unique nature of the ball. In fact, it might be a good idea to prop the ball against the sofa or a wall when you start out. Then you can move away from your support as you gain confidence.
One of the first exercises for a beginner is the Seated Balance. This exercise works the abs at the same time it improves balance. Sit up straight on the ball and pull in your abs. Place your hands palms down on the ball on either side of your body. Now lift the right foot off the floor and hold it up for 5 seconds. Lower that foot to the floor and lift up the left foot, holding for 5 seconds. Repeat this motion, alternating sides, for 5 to 10 repetitions.
As your confidence improves, try a more difficult exercise such as the Ball Rotation. For this one, lie back with the ball position under your shoulders and lower back. Extend arms straight up over the chest with palms touching. Keep the body in a straight line from knees to hips. Contract your abs and glutes, then slowly roll your body to the left, keeping arms parallel to the carpet or floor. Then roll back to center and twist to the other side. Don’t roll too far, but really use those abs!
Discover how to use a stability ball workouts to get into better shape. Purchase your stability ball workouts by shopping online. Go there today to find the best way to exercise.
