Simple Keep Fit Exercises
Exercise balls have been used for years by physical therapists to treat cerebral palsy victims and help improve their balance. Fitness experts realised that the exercise ball could also be used to strengthen the abdominals and back. They are also known as Swiss balls.
Exercise balls are considered by experts to be one of the best ways to develop your abs.
The exercise ball works by creating an unstable condition. While you are sitting on it, you have to use your leg muscles, abdominal muscles, and back muscles to stay in a stable state. Any movement you make while on an exercise ball gives the movement a greater intensity.
Exercise balls are usually made out of tough vinyl and are very very durable. Manufacturers provide details of how much load the purchased exercise ball will take.
One tip is to spend some extra money and buy a ball that is burst resistant. If punctured they will slowly deflate instead of popping.
The exercise ball should be the right size for your height. When you sit on it to perform any exercise your hips should be level or slightly above the knees.
The following are the recommended sizes of exercise ball for your height :-
4' 11" - 5' 4" => 55cm Exercise ball
5' 5" - 5' 11" => 65cm Exercise ball
6' 0" - 6' 7" => 75cm Exercise ball
The good thing about exercise balls is that they can be portable. The exercise ball can be carried in a deflated state and pumped up when necessary by using a small portable hand pump. So you can take them on holiday or take them to your hotel room when away on business and end the day with some stress relieving exercise.
They can be taken into the office and used instead of a stool. While you are sitting down at your desk, you can be strengthening your abs and improving your overall flexibility and get some work done too.
Make sure that the area you use for your exercise ball is free from any stray objects that may burst your ball or any sharp edges that may cause injury to you.
If you are going to perform any exercises on a slippery surface, make sure that you have an exercise mat underneath you.
There are many exercises you can do with an exercise ball. Here is one exercise you can do to develop those all important abs :-
This exercise gives your abs an intense workout. Squeezing the ball makes the abs work more efficiently.
Repeat the following process 10 times, then rest for 2 minutes. Do 2 to 3 repetitions.
1. Lie on your back.
2. Squeeze the ball against your thighs with your feet.
3. Lift the ball about 3 inches off the ground.
4. Slowly, roll your legs to one side.
5. Without lifting your shoulders off the floor, go as far as you can without straining or forcing.
6. Reverse Directions.
For more exercise ball workouts go to this website www.exerciseballworkouts.net