stability ball question

[gemgirl]

Some weeks ago, I pulled a muscle in my back. Now, my back is getting close to feeling normal. The last time I pulled a back muscle was in September. Anyway, my new goal is to strengthen my core and increase my flexibility.

I was thinking about getting a stability ball. I don't know where I would put it, but if it will really help to strengthen/stretch my back and abs then I'll find a place for it.

Is a stability ball a wonderful thing to have?

 

[NY25]

Absolutely. They don't really take up that much room - just stick it in a corner somewhere. They are useful for abs and back exercises, both - as well as stretching and other uses. Cathe uses them in the more recent videos for those exact purposes. I also us it to replace certain moves - for example, in Gym Styles BBS, there is a lower back strengthening exercise where you lay on the bench on your stomach and raise your legs. I don't find this move comfortable, so I substitute the ball here and do the move and the one following it on the ball. They are much more comfortable that way. I highly recommend one - they're not expensive at all, and very worth it.

 

[materialsgirl]

Yes! A stability ball is a must-have piece of equipment. You can do so much with it - it's very versatile.

 

[debbydarestobefit]

I also agree, the stability ball gives you more options for weight work and stretching. I like using it. When I first starting using it I noticed the difference right away. Now I don't notice the increaed difficulty as much which tells me my core has strengthened by using this prop. Balls are relatively inexpensive. Depending on your workout area, it may be a pain to store as it can't go under the bed like a step or weights can. Deb

 

[kathryn]

>Yes! A stability ball is a must-have piece of equipment.
> You can do so much with it - it's very versatile.

I agree. I think every at-home exerciser should have one.
You can increase the challenge of any weight workout, and engage your core, by sitting or lying on the ball instead of using a chair or a bench or standing. And ab work that you usually do on the floor becomes more interesting when you take it to a ball. It's certainly more effective and versatile than many pieces of more-expensive infomercial equipment.