Swiss Ball / Stability Ball

[MarkCSCS]

When used properly, these are a fantastic tool to add to your training program no matter what the sport!

Does anyone currently use one? I find that most people really don't know how to use them, so they think they are useless, aside from abdominal training. However, I have yet to have a client who hasn't changed their opinion when shown how to properly use them as part of their routine.

[Lee J B]

Yep they are good, ever tried doing DB press's on a swiss ball ?? Well try it for a few months and watch how much your DB press increases on a bench

[Merrida]

Yep, funny you should mention it. I'm currently using a physioball and incorporating it for full body. I used to think the same thing, and I think most people, especially the "very fit" people, under-rate them and think they're pretty simple or ineffective, or only good for newbies.

But I must tell you, I've got one here in my living room that I use as well as at the gym, and it never ceases to amaze me just how powerful my exercising can be while using a physioball.

They're amazing, and there's almost nothing you can't do with one! I agree, I think many people underestimate their effectiveness.

[Jock]

I've got one and I'd love to be able to use it, so I could improve my stability and balance for rugby.

I haven't got a clue what excercises to do. If anyone has any links especially for rugby/core stability/balance I'd be very greatful.

Thanks, Jock

[mixtic187]

I use the swiss ball everytime i'm at the gym.. what a simple, great way to improve balance.. which definitely tightens your ab muscles in the process.. also use it along with free weights.. good stuff..

[lori501blu]

I use the stability ball and LOVE IT. I use it for everything - abs, legs, even my weight training routine. There are loads of things you can do on it. However, I met with my trainer at the gym to learn all the different things you can use the stability ball for. I have seen more and more men incorporating the stability ball into their workout.

I definitly would recommend using one. I have gotten great results.

[brakes]

stability ball article

i found this one interesting

[TWIFOSP]

Where can one buy a good stability ball?

[TsiTalon]

Originally Posted by Lee J B

Yep they are good, ever tried doing DB press's on a swiss ball ?? Well try it for a few months and watch how much your DB press increases on a bench

i want to try them this week. Presses on swiss

[Merrida]

They're amazing.

I use them at the gym, but the one here at home is more my size. At the gym they tend to over-inflate them, and they're huge for a short-stuff like me.

I just can't get over how deceptive they seem,... they look pretty simple and easy, but with very little effort you can modify exercises to be quite challenging.

[MarkCSCS]

Originally Posted by TWIFOSP

Where can one buy a good stability ball?

I usually get mine from www.power-systems.com or www.performbetter.com They are very inexpensive.

[Eagan]

It really surprizes me that people are looking for instant bodies. It takes a lot of work. We use the balls for every bit of rehab. It is excellent for everybody. NO matter what your condition is. We use them as a tool when someone is afraid of water
and we can't put them in water. Ab workout stabilitzing complete body tip to stern. I recently had a bodybuilder friend come in to show some students how balance and flexibility were number one in everybody's over all health. He is a major contest winner and I put him up against a student
he didn't fair too well. The student did very well and the theory behind the class. Muscle size and build are not an indicator of balance.

[Eagan]

Purchase of a ball your best bet would be shop, shop. They are sold at our Walmart store, good price and varied sizes. Sporting goods stores you are going to spend a lot. I would suggest that you go into the childrens toy section. They are called various things. One suggestion is that you might try a class at you community centre or highschool and learn how to use one. They might have them so you can get an idea of how to use them. Make sure you have lots of room to experiment as it is a skill and a lot like riding a bike the very first time get back on it and try again.

[NateDogg]

Remember, not all stability balls are created equal, if they don't say "burst resistant" on them, they're probably not. I would not recommend any that do not say "burst resistant" on them for lifting on. Pay the extra $$$ off the top and save a lot in doctor's bills from breaking your tailbone when the ball bursts.

[Eagan]

natedogg, the swiss ball was never intended to be a weight bench it is for and was designed for balance and stenghthing excercise.