Stability Ball Exercises - Physical Fitness Fun

Exercise Balls Enhance a Workout Routine

Mar 26, 2009

Swiss balls, or more commonly referred to as stability balls, are not new. This 50 year old invention is still gaining popularity among those who want to get fit.

These exercise balls are constructed of elastic, soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and diameters range between 35 – 85cm (14-34”). Most balls are made to take approximately 320 kilograms ( about 700lbs). They are used in the fitness industry as well as in physical therapy.

Stability Ball History

The Swiss Ball was developed by an Italian plastics manufacturer, Aquilino Cosani in 1963. At the time, these balls were known as “Pezzi” balls and were first used in treatment programs for newborns and infants by a British physiotherapist working in Switzerland.

Later, Dr. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach, the director of a physical therapy school in Switzerland, integrated the use of ball exercise as physical therapy for neuro-developmental treatment. Based on “functional kinetics”, Klein-Vogelbach advocated the use of exercising on the ball to treat adults with orthopedic or medical problems.

The name “Swiss Ball” was used when American physical therapists began to use the same techniques. They rapidly saw how beneficial this ball was in assisting patients recover without much effort.

Shortly after reaching North American shores, the Swiss Ball made it into athletic training gyms, and eventually into public workout gyms.

Physical Benefits

The primary benefit to working out on a Swiss Ball is that the body responds to the instability of the ball to remain balanced, therefore engaging more muscles to work. The muscles become stronger and the core body muscles (abdominal and back muscles) benefit the most.

Proper Alignment – Exercise movements improve the natural motor reflexes of the body as different muscles are utilized in movement.

Losing Body Fat – With regular exercise and training, a person can lose weight as the body firms. Body fat diminishes when on a regular routine and muscle tone increases.

Great Abs – Those wanting strong and well-defined abs will find that this ball firms the abs. The abs and back muscles work in unison during the workout. Exercise balls make ab exercises easy.

Muscle Strength and Endurance – These balls help in preventing back problems or even help in alleviating current back problems. Muscle strength and tone will greatly improve. Endurance will increase and therefore the body will have better flexibility, stability and resistance.

Reebok Stability Training promotes the fact that Swiss therapists suggest people use a Swiss Ball as opposed to a chair whenever possible. This is based on the fact that abdominal and back muscles are constantly engaged in activity in order to maintain good posture while balancing on the ball. Even trying to sit with one foot on the opposite knee requires strong core muscles to control the body from falling over.

Good posture not only makes you look younger but it evokes an image of self-confidence. Of course, good posture is essential for healthy back muscles. Over time, poor posture will cause:

Before starting any workout routine, consult with a doctor. “Stability Ball Exercises” provides some basic exercises to help kick start an at-home fitness routine.

The copyright of the article Stability Ball Exercises - Physical Fitness Fun in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Karen Stephenson. Permission to republish Stability Ball Exercises - Physical Fitness Fun in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.