Exercise Balls By Steven Kirby At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

An exercise ball is a big air filled rubber ball and can help in strengthening the torso for better workouts and less injuries. Physical therapists have used them for years, but fitness experts now know it's one of the best ways to strengthen the abs and back and increase stability.

Choosing an Exercise Ball
Before you go out and buy one, make sure it's the right size for your height. Sit on the ball and make sure your hips are level or just slightly higher than the knees:

55 cm - 4'11" - 5'4"
65 cm - 5'5" - 5'11"
75 cm - 6'0" - 6' 7"

If you're overweight or obese, you might be wondering if you can use an exercise ball.

How To Use Your Exercise Ball
The exercise ball works by putting your body in an unstable environment. When you lie on the ball, your legs and abs immediately contract to keep you from falling off. Add an exercise to that (like a chest press or a crunch), and you've just increased the intensity of the movement..

Using an exercise ball is a great way to increase your general fitness level. Your posture and body awareness will naturally improve, as does your balance. You will also build overall strength and endurance.

Initially you may feel unstable sitting on the exercise ball. However, just like any piece of exercise equipment, this feeling will fade as you become more accustomed to the ball. Your muscles and joints get better at responding to the unstable environment. Your core stabilization muscles, abdominals and back muscles particularly will strengthen.

Exercise ball cautions
Exercise balls are versatile, fun, and easy-to-use. However before beginning any exercise program, you should check with your health care professional to be sure the program is appropriate for you.
In a similar vein, always pay attention to your body. If any exercise causes you pain - stop! Don't push too hard or attempt too much. Be patient. And enjoy.

Exercise ball tips
1. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothes. Barefoot is fine if you can maintain traction - otherwise, wear athletic shoes.
2. Give yourself plenty of room - pick a location where you have lots of space around you as you exercise.
3. Warm up the muscle groups before you begin exercising.
4. To help maintain your balance as you exercise, focus your eyes on a fixed point.
5. Stretch when you finish.

An exercise ball is a great fun way to exercise and strengthen muscle groups. Follow these tips, be patient and have fun and you will get the use out of your exercise equipment.

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