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Article Series: Exercise & Fitness
What Are The Most Effective Ways
To Exercise & Get Into Shape?
What
Are Stability Ball Workouts?
When it comes to exercise equipment, sometimes
simpler is better. Simple equipment can be adapted for a variety
of exercises, so you don't have to go out and buy something
else when you're ready to pursue a different goal (such as
working on a different muscle group). And few exercise products
are simpler than the stability ball.
The stability ball was developed in the 1960s for use in physical
therapy. It was most often used in people with orthopedic problems.
But it quickly caught on as a versatile tool for athletic training,
and today is used in gyms and homes everywhere.
The stability ball's most common use is for strengthening
muscles by providing an unstable surface to exercise on. This
forces the muscles to continuously readjust in order to maintain
posture and keep balance. In most exercises, the muscles that
benefit from this are the abdominal and back muscles.
Stability balls are not associated with any one type of exercise.
They have been used in weight training, yoga, Pilates and more.
They are particularly useful in exercises of any kind that
target the core. Simple exercises such as sit-ups can be enhanced
by the use of a stability ball, and it provides the opportunity
for unique exercises such as balancing the entire body on the
ball.
Choosing a Stability Ball
Stability balls are not one size fits all.
The size you need depends on your height, and more precisely,
your leg length.
In general, those under 5' tall should use a 45 centimeter
ball, those who are 5' to 5'7" should use a 55 centimeter
ball, and those who are 5'8" to 6'2" should use a
65 centimeter ball.
When you're sitting on the stability ball, your legs should
be at a 90-degree angle. Your thighs should be parallel to
the floor, and the hips should be at the same height as your
knees. If you have to stretch your legs out so that your feet
touch the floor, the ball is too large.
Firmer balls provide the most benefit, because they are more
challenging to balance on. But those who are overweight, the
elderly, and people who are seriously out of shape often do
better with a softer ball. You can find a variety of stability
balls to choose from at most sporting goods stores, or you
can order one that meets your specifications online.
The stability ball is great for those at all fitness levels.
It may require some getting used to, but once you get the hang
of it, keeping your balance is like second nature. A stability
ball is an excellent fitness investment, because it will help
you get more out of any workout. Click here to discover my current SolveYourProblem recommendation and choice pick for the fastest, easiest and best exercise and weight management solution you'll find anywhere. Get it and reward yourself with a fit, more fulfilling life.
by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2010
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