PUB on the Stability Ball

[Lynn M.]

Hi everybody:

As I anxiously wait for the hardcore series to finish, I've been switching up and trying to do different things w/ my current workouts..

This morning I did PUB on the stability ball as opposed to on a flat bench, and it was a really nice change of pace!!

I didn't go as heavy as I normally would, but I felt like it was a nice workout as that the range of motion (esp. in the chest workout) was better. Also, my core feels a bit more worked in that it is used more in trying to balance while sitting and reclining on the ball.

Anybody else ever tried this?

Take care, Lynn M.

 

[kathryn]

I also like to swith up my workouts and incorporate equipment that I have (a Bodywedge, Ooof balls, stability balls). I often do as much of my upper body weight workouts using the stability ball (seated for overhead presses, biceps curls and overhead triceps, leaning over and putting one hand on the ball--often with the opposite foot off the floor behind me--for lat rows) to add more of a balance challenge and core work to any workout.

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi Kathryn-

What is an Ooof Ball? I am not familiar with it... (hmm, maybe something to add to the Xmas list? ;}

Lynn M.

 

[kathryn]

An Ooof ball is a brand name for a medicine ball that has little knobs on it. I bought a whole set of them (2,3,4.5,6 and 9 pounds) several years ago from a web site that had a good deal on them. They are the nicest medicine balls I've ever seen: no shifting sand in them, no strange unbalanced feel. Supposedly they also bounce, but when I tried them on my floor, I feared I'd broken some rafters in the basement!

 

[Lynn M.]

Thanks for the info, Kathryn! I may have to get one of those.. I like the idea of the knobs.. better grip, I am assuming!

Take care, Lynn M.

 

[Marnie]

how did you find doing pullovers on the stability ball? did you have to go lighter to keep your balance? i like to go heavy for back and i'm thinking i'd definitely have to lighten up if i was on my ball. also, did you do reverse flys (shoulders) on the ball too? i've done that, i really enjoy it as i have to stay light for those anyway (8s as my heaviest in the pyramid)

thanks!

 

[Runcrazy]

I've done this and initially went lighter to get the feel (for pullovers). I was then able to increase the weight.

Jo

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi Marnie:

I too, lightened up a bit on the weights for pullovers, but next time I will probably go back to a heavier weight. The balance on getting into position on and off the ball after switching up your weights is probably the trickiest thing when doing the pullover on the ball!!

I was surprised on how much I felt the chest work when doing it on the stability ball. I was sore the next day, which usually doesn't happen when I lift heavier weights on a flat bench for this workout. (It was very cool!)


Take care, Lynn M.

 

[starlight6]

I originally went lighter on pullovers on the ball, but very quickly found I could go as heavy as usual. Love it!

Ruth

 

[kathryn]

As you adapt to the ball, you can also make the surface more unstable, which makes the same set of weights seem heavier. You can start with your feet farther apart, then get them closer and closer together. You can even get beyond that level of instability by (carefully!) lifting one leg off the ground on certain moves). Love it!

 

[dss62467]

I'm definitely going to start doing this! I started using my stability ball for those tricep overhead thingies because my step doesn't go higher than 10 inches. I liked the way it helped me keep my posture straight. I'm giving myself a 65cm ball for Christmas (my 55 cm is too small) and I'm really looking forward to seeing if it makes a difference.