They are the current fitness trend, appear in every fitness magazine, included in everybody's ab routine, look cool and remind you of the good ol' days.
Why should you start using the stability ball or expand your use?
Proper spinal alignment - an unstable surface encourages one to use their own musculature to keep good posture and spinal alignment
Core muscles- Using the ball has shown to stimulate the deep abdominal and lower back muscles while exercising
Higher metabolic demand - the ball has greater caloric burn than traditional exercises and equipment because more muscles are involved.
Better balance, stability, and coordination - all can result from regular use of the ball
Variety and new stimulus - can add what is necessary to break through plateaus
The great imitator - Can be used to mimic daily living and/or sport-specific activities
A fan of blue balls
Finding the right ball for you
When seated, look for a 90 degree angle at the knee and hip
Height/Ball Diameter Recommendation
Less than 5´- 45cm
5´ to 5´7´´ - 55cm
5´7 to 6´2´´ - 65cm
Over 6´2´´ - 75cm
Answers by Stability Ball Guru Juan Carlos Santana
Is a deflated ball more or less stable?
Although a deflated ball has more surface area contact with the ground, it is less stable due to the slow reaction forces with the body surface (e.g. the hands). When a ball is deflated, it is hard to find and maintain the center of mass under the body’s base of support, thus making it hard to balance.
Does one develop stability or balance when using the ball?
Exercises requiring less force develop balance, while exercises requiring more force develop stability. Stability is by far the most important component to develop with the stability ball.
Lance's tips for ball beginners:
Lighten up - your weights, absolute strength decreases with stability ball exercises
Too close for comfort - widen your foot position for a better base of support
Staring contest - pick a stationary focus point to keep your gaze on to help balance
Start slowly - substitute one stability ball exercise into your routine at a time
Ask a pro - seek out a personal trainer to correct form and give you appropriate exercises
They are the current fitness trend, appear in every fitness magazine, included in everybody's ab routine, look cool and remind you of the good ol' days.
Why should you start using the stability ball or expand your use?
A fan of blue balls
Finding the right ball for you
Height/Ball Diameter Recommendation
Answers by Stability Ball Guru Juan Carlos Santana
Is a deflated ball more or less stable?
Although a deflated ball has more surface area contact with the ground, it is less stable due to the slow reaction forces with the body surface (e.g. the hands). When a ball is deflated, it is hard to find and maintain the center of mass under the body’s base of support, thus making it hard to balance.
Does one develop stability or balance when using the ball?
Exercises requiring less force develop balance, while exercises requiring more force develop stability. Stability is by far the most important component to develop with the stability ball.
Lance's tips for ball beginners: