What is an exercise ball?

An exercise ball, also known as a stability ball or a Swiss ball, is a tool that allows you to perform numerous exercises. When you perform your exercises on a stability ball, it forces you to use more muscles and energy than you would if you were to use a bench or a machine. You can purchase an exercise ball online, at a sporting goods store, or in the sports section of most major retail chains. You will want to use the height chart on the box to make sure you purchase the appropriate size. And you will want to inflate the ball until it is firm when you sit upon it. If you are not sure if you have the correct size stability ball, sit on it just like you are sitting in a chair, and determine whether your knees come to a 90 degree angle. If so, you have the right size. If you are not sure what exercises to perform on your stability ball, refer to the pamphlet that usually comes in the box or seek out the expertise of a HFPN virtual trainer here on Sharecare.

The exercise ball, or stability ball, is a very versatile and effective piece of equipment, and one I use regularly in my personal training service.

Exercising with a ball improves balance, coordination and mobility while providing challenging workouts. Since working with an exercise ball will add an element of instability to your workout, more muscle fibers are recruited during each movement. More muscle recruitment means you'll get a more thorough workout.

The exercise ball can be used to increase abdominal strength, improve core stability and build muscle strength without stress on the lower back, and it's adaptable to every fitness level. Exercise balls are relatively inexpensive and come in several different sizes. Highly recommended.

There are two types of exercise balls: stability/swiss ball and medicine ball. The stability ball is the large air ball used for holding the weight of a person. It can be sat on like a chair. It can be leaned on like in doing a wall squat. It can be laid on for doing push ups or chest presses. These are just a few of its uses. There are several others. The medicine ball is weighted and comes in various different sizes and weights. Its primary use is for core training. It can also be used in the place of a dumbbell. It is smaller yet heavier than the stability ball.

An exercise ball, also known as a Swiss ball, is a large, inflated, rubber ball that can be used for a slew of different exercises. This ball forces the body to stabilize on an unstable surface, and thus, makes exercises more challenging.

The exercise ball can be used as a progression from the floor to make the original exercise more challenging. For example, the pushup performed on the ground, will become more challenging when performed on the exercise ball.

Sometimes called stability balls and Swiss balls, these large, durable, air-filled exercise balls come in different sizes and colors. While most people use them for ab training, many incorporate free weights with ball training, using the ball as an unstable surface to strengthen the core muscles while working other body parts. It can be utilized for so many different workouts that everyone from boxers to the elderly use balls.