Stability Balls: Facts and Benefits of Training With Stability Balls

Benefits of Using a Stability Ball in Your Training

With lot of fitness and training centers springing up these days and they are gaining many patronage,due to the fact that people are becoming to realize the importance of looking good and fit. One of the most important training equipment you should look out for in training is the stability ball.

The market comes up with new training tools every now and then. Yet you are not sure if they do work and if they are safe. So for one that is guaranteed to work, use the stability ball.

What Is a Stability Ball?

Ronny a fitness trainer defines it as:

"This is a large and inflatable ball used as an exercise equipment. Despite being air-filled, it is generally heavy-duty and capable to hold 600 to 700 pounds of weight. It is comfortable and gives good support. It perfectly suits the trainee as it easily goes with the structure of the body."

This exercise tool is also sometimes called as the physio-ball or the Swiss Ball.The reason for this name is because of its ability to work major physiological parts of y our body and the swiss name tells us about its origin.

 Good thing about the balls.

The good thing about using the stability ball is that:

it reduces the perception of ‘working’ in training, especially for beginners. It gives some element of ‘play’ as you get rough with the training. It adds some fun and excitement as you advance in the movements and techniques.

There are other balls that do come with you having a level of fitness because you can use them. But that is not the case with the stability balls.

 No fitness level is required. It is very portable and light weight, easy to bring along even when traveling. It is also inexpensive compared to other exercise equipment and it could last for a very long time.

How Stability Balls Came About?

Studies has shown that the use of the stability balls for training can be traced in rehabilitation. As early as the 1900’s, physical therapists have been using balls in addressing the neurological disorders of their patients.

Then, in the early 1960’s, Aquilino Cosani, an Italian toy maker, made the ball and sold it, known then as the ‘Gymnastik.’ Two decades after, Cosani came up with a company called Gymnic and became the major supplier of the stability ball to most rehabilitation programs and centers.

Times change and situations changed the use of the ball, and then shifted from the rehabilitation to the athletic area, in the 90’s. It was used to condition the body of professional athletes. From then on, the ball became very prominent in the fitness community.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Stability Ball?

The stability ball definitely is best to improve the strength of the abs and the lower-backs. It improves as well the functional strength, balance and flexibility of the body.

1. It Aids In Proper Alignment

Using the ball during training will test the body to make use of the different parts to maintain the proper balance. The dynamic movements during exercise will improve the natural motor reflexes of the body as different muscles are utilized in movement, especially the ones that are not usually used. The challenge posed by the ball is to maintain balance. As one aims to get the proper balance, the alignment of the body parts is also improved.

2. It Gives Great Abs

For people working out to achieve great abs, this ball can definitely target the abdominal areas. The abs and the back muscles are simultaneously moved as you work in your balance. Just imagine the good feeling of having a flat stomach area and you will definitely love this ball.

3. It Enhances Muscle Strength and Endurance

The stability ball can help in alleviating any back pain and preventing one in the future. As all the major muscle groups are exercised, the muscle tone, strength and endurance are also improved. Thus it gives the body flexibility, stability and resistance.

4. It Builds Core Stability

This concerns the major muscles that helps stabilize and support all of the body movements. This is made up of back and the deep abdominal muscles. With the ball, no matter how ‘deep’ or ‘into the core’ these muscles are, they are still exercised. This is something only the stability ball can guarantee.

5. It Helps In Stretching

The ball is a good friend during stretching exercises. With this, you can easily move into and move out of different stretching positions.

6. It Helps to Losing Weight

Of course, with all the good benefits of using the ball, you will not miss out on the aspect of losing weight.For people with obesity problem or those seeing themselves add unnecessary weight, With regular exercises and trainings done with the stability ball, a person can lose some unwanted pounds as the body is firmed.

 You can't afford to toy with your health. It is the greatest asset You have.So, do see that you include stability balls in your exercise routine regularly.