medicine ball ? that Cathe uses

[MsFitQuest.]

For the video/s that Cathe uses, do you need a ball that bounces or can you substitue a childs play ball? Also how does she use it? TIA!
Nancy

 

[kathryn]

I havén't seen the workouts yet (waiting on my DVDs), but Cathe posted previously saying that she doesn't do any "ball bouncing" in the videos. You just need a ball with some weight, as the medicine ball is used for resistance. She also said that any moves shown with the med ball are also shown using weights as an alternative. I believe she uses and 8# weight in the workouts.

 

[audreyw]

No bouncing required, so you don't have to worry about that. In one exercise (I think in Muscle Endurance), she has you squeeze the ball between your hands to work chest -- a child's play ball will work for that, or a volleyball or basketball, or an overripe melon, you just need something with a little give to it. But in most cases, she's using the ball to provide weight, mainly for core exercises but also for leg presses and side squats (in Boot Camp). Almost all of these exercises can be modified using a dumbbell, and one of the exercisers shows the modifications. I did get the ball and like it, but I first did the tapes using a dumbbell and my dog's Wiggly Giggly ball, and it worked pretty well. (Occasional weird giggly noises from the ball aside.)

If you're not sure about the ball, you can definitely do the videos first with a dumbbell and play ball, and then decide whether you want to get the medicine ball and what weight would be good for you.

Audrey

 

[MsFitQuest.]

Thanks Audrey and Kathryn. I wanted to be sure because I know some vids use a ball that bounce but since I'll primarily be doing Cathe's, I wanted to be sure.
Kathryn: a wiggly giggly ball?? That sounds soo cute! How does your dog react if you use it when working out?
Nancy

 

[audreyw]

He looks up when it "giggles" -- but I usually give him a little rawhide chew when I work out, so it takes a lot to get him away from that. Until he's ready for his post-chewing drink of water, that is -- then I'm expected to stop, get out of his way so he can jump off the bed, and refresh his water bowl from the Brita. (He's just a little spoiled!)

Audrey