Fitball, exercise ball , stability ball ,fitness ball,Swiss Ball, gym ball, physio ball, fit ball,balance ball and flex ball

Pictured ball is the

BodyTrends 65cm (26") Anti-Burst Blue Exercise Ball with Dual Action Pump

What is a Fitness Ball? by Michael Pollick

A fitness ball (also known as a stability ball) is an inflatable piece of exercise equipment usually constructed out of heavy gauge PVC vinyl or rubber. When inflated, a fitness ball looks much like an over sized beach ball with reinforced ribbing as an anti-burst feature. Exercisers use fitness balls to enhance their routines and isolate the core muscles of the abdomen, chest and back. A fitness ball creates instability, which forces the user to engage these core muscles to counteract a loss of balance. Many exercise programs emphasize daily abdominal work, so adding a stability or fitness ball may reduce the need for isolated abdominal routines.

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Benefits of using a ball :

•Improved posture (sitting on the ball helps maintain correct spinal curve)
• Improve the body’s stabilisation and co-ordination systems
•Reduce back pain caused by poor posture
• Stimulate the sensory pathways (particularly important for the elderly)
• Increase torso strength and stability
• Increase body control, assisting in injury prevention
•Improved balance reactions (reduced risk of falling)
•Improved cardiovascular fitness and a positive effect on the respiratory system have also been observed.
•Work core stabilizers while strengthening other muscles during exercise.

 

Also known as exercise ball , stability ball , fitness ball , swiss ball