A Complete For Exercise Ball Fitness Guide
A Complete For Exercise Ball Fitness Guide
The information contained in this book and its contents is not designed to replace or
take the place of any form of medical or professional advice; and is not meant to replace
the need for independent medical, financial, legal or other professional advice or
services, as may be required. The content and information in this book has been
provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.
The content and information contained in this book has been compiled from sources
deemed reliable, and it is accurate to the best of the Author's knowledge, information
and belief. However, the Author cannot guarantee its accuracy and validity and cannot
be held liable for any errors and/or omissions. Further, changes are periodically made to
this book as and when needed. Where appropriate and/or necessary, you must consult a
professional (including but not limited to your doctor, attorney, financial advisor or
such other professional advisor) before using any of the suggested remedies, techniques,
or information in this book.
Upon using the contents and information contained in this book, you agree to hold
harmless the Author from and against any damages, costs, and expenses, including any
legal fees potentially resulting from the application of any of the information provided
by this book. This disclaimer applies to any loss, damages or injury caused by the use
and application, whether directly or indirectly, of any advice or information presented,
whether for breach of contract, tort, negligence, personal injury, criminal intent, or
under any other cause of action.
You agree to accept all risks of using the information presented inside this book.
You agree that by continuing to read this book, where appropriate and/or necessary, you
shall consult a professional (including but not limited to your doctor, attorney, or
financial advisor or such other advisor as needed) before using any of the suggested
remedies, techniques, or information in this book.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Exercise Ball:.................................................................................................................................1
A Complete For Exercise Ball Fitness Guide............................................................................1
Table of Contents..........................................................................................................................3
Introduction...................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 1: Exercise Balls..............................................................................................................7
Chapter 2: Exercise Ball Benefits................................................................................................9
Chapter 3: The Right Exercise Ball...........................................................................................11
Chapter 4: Exercises...................................................................................................................12
1. Knee Kick..........................................................................................................................12
2. Seated Ball Crunch...........................................................................................................12
3. One Leg Toe Touch..........................................................................................................13
4. Speed Skater Squat.......................................................................................................14
5. Scissor Roll........................................................................................................................15
6. Decline Balance Pushup..............................................................................................15
7. Elevated Hip Raise...........................................................................................................16
8. Forearm Climb..............................................................................................................16
9. Circus Lift......................................................................................................................17
10. Flying Squirrel..............................................................................................................18
11. Flying Dog.....................................................................................................................18
12. Wall Ball Squat.............................................................................................................19
13. Pike Tuck.......................................................................................................................19
14. Bridge Dips....................................................................................................................20
15. Full Pike.........................................................................................................................20
16. Balance Bicycle.............................................................................................................21
17. Reverse Squeeze Sit Up...............................................................................................22
18. Slide and Step...............................................................................................................22
19. Balanced Side Extension.............................................................................................23
20. Invisible Rope Climb....................................................................................................24
21. Plank Raise....................................................................................................................24
22. Big Ball Leg Lifts...........................................................................................................25
23. Side Lifts........................................................................................................................25
24. Forearm Plank Raise....................................................................................................26
25. Hip Swing......................................................................................................................27
26. Stability Push Up..........................................................................................................27
27. Ball Pass Crunch...........................................................................................................28
28. Elevated Sit Up.............................................................................................................28
29. Leg Paddle.....................................................................................................................29
30. Big Ball Bicycle..............................................................................................................30
Conclusion................................................................................................................................31
Introduction
The exercise ball has gained increasing popularity in the different parts of the globe
these days. Do not think that this fitness ball has become prevalent and widely held by
most health aficionados because of its cute shape and brilliant colors but know that its
health benefits offer more to an advantage. The exercise ball brings focus and
concentrates on strengthening the abdomen and the back muscles, a way to increase
stability. The exercise ball is more preferred especially by physical therapists as they can
cause fewer injuries than using any other exercise equipment.
If you are in the market for an exercise ball, the thing to remember is to buy one that fits
your height. It is created to fit your size and physique to a T for maximum benefit. To
know which ball is right for you, what you can do is sit on it. Then check if your hips are
at a level or at a slightly higher level than that of your knees. The sizes range from 55cm,
65cm or 75cm. No need to fret if you are obese and think that you would be too heavy
for the ball, there are burst-resistant balls that are available for people just like you.
There are a exercise or fitness drills that you can do with the use of the exercise ball. For
one merely sitting on the ball is challenge enough. One would need to balance
themselves to achieve this feat. This is one simple thing that you can do while reading
your favorite novel or watching the news on television but know that it helps much to
improve your posture and to ease out your back muscles. You may perk up the challenge
by adding more moves like raising your feet off the ground while still maintaining
balance. Another thing that you can do also makes it your weight bench. That would
prove to add more difficulty than just plain sitting around. By doing so, you exercise not
only your back but also your butt, your arms, your legs and your abs.
Exercise balls are known to be perfect for abdominal training exercises because it can
work to focus the workout on muscles in your abdomen area. With the use of the
exercise ball, you add more zest to your regular twist and turn moves, your abdominal
crunches and other conventional abdominal exercises. This makes it tricky, but it sure
does the trick to tone done those muscles and give you that six pack abs that you have
been yearning for.
Stretching exercises work well with the exercise ball. So you may incorporate your yoga
and pilates with the exercise ball. There are many exercise programs on stretches or
yoga with the ball that you can follow that is available on the market today. Best of all,
the exercise ball is still a ball, and as such, it is a great toy to play with. It is round and
soft so you can even let your kids play with it.
Chapter 1: Exercise Balls
The power to exercise your own body with exercise balls is a gift that keeps on giving.
Various exercise techniques have been around for thousands of years as ways to treat
every day aches and pains as well as injuries. While most exercise requires a second
person to do the work for you, all you need with exercise balls is yourself. This means
you can exercise yourself anytime, and reap the benefits!
Exercise is known to have many health benefits from physical to mental. It can improve
circulation, soothe sore muscles, break up scar tissue, lessen headaches, and ease
anxiety and more. It is estimated that 50% of people in the world will deal with chronic
pain at some point in their lives. Doctors recommend exercise all of the time- but they
are often just not affordable on a regular basis. To have the best effect, exercise should
be performed consistently to keep muscles limber and treat and prevent injuries and
other painful conditions. With the exercise balls, you only have to invest in the set once.
The only other investment you make is your time and commitment to yourself!
There are several different types of exercise balls you can choose from depending on
your needs. In general, they are made of plastic, are slightly soft, but firm enough so you
can send a good amount of pressure into the targeted area. They may differ in hardness
or softness. Some may have knobs or ridges built into them, but usually, you want them
to have a nice, smooth surface. Depending on the severity of your pain, you may have to
start with a softer ball and work your way up to something more penetrating.
If you have a specific problem area, the exercise ball can be used specifically to isolate
that spot. When used accordingly, it is very similar to deep tissue exercise depending on
how much pressure you apply. You are in control, which is also not normally the case in
other exercise situations. Depending on how you situate the balls, you could recreate the
sensation of a therapist's elbow digging into you right where you need it. It should not
be painful at any time. Using the exercise balls can help you take your pain
management, and life, into your own hands.
What health conditions can exercise balls benefit? Here is a list:
• Low back pain
• Whiplash
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Migraines
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• PMS
Self-exercise can help to reduce dependency on medications such as pain relievers and
anti-inflammatories, which are known to have many side effects. There are no side
effects to these techniques except for an increased sense of well-being. Exercise is
known to calm the mind and promote a sense of inner peace, which is how it helps
people with mental disorders in addition to its physical element. It releases endorphins,
which are the feel-good brain chemicals.
Exercise is also known to stimulate immunity by activating the lymphatic system, which
helps to clear toxins out of the body. It can improve range of motion and flexibility of
joints and muscles, which keeps the body mobile. Stress, the culprit of many diseases,
can also be greatly reduced through some me-time with exercise balls. You can become
your own therapist!
You can use the exercise balls on almost any part of the body. It is important to use them
properly so as not to harm yourself. When learning how to use them, it is best to start in
a larger muscle rather than directly on a joint. This way you can learn how to apply
pressure, direction, and movement. Eventually you can use the ball to exercise your
joints with care.
To perform exercise with the exercise balls, place the ball in the targeted area and move
your body around on the ball. You may do this laying down, seated, or standing at a wall.
You can move the body side to side, up and down, or in circular motions. For deep
penetration, you can hold the ball completely still on an area such as a trigger point. A
trigger point is a tender spot within a muscle that may radiate, or refer, pain elsewhere
in the body. For example, hip pain may be caused by a trigger point in the lower back.
When you have the technique down, you can even use two balls at once on certain areas,
such as the back.
Application of self-exercise with exercise balls is a form of myofascial release. The entire
body is connected through a sheath of tissue called the fascia. It is made of elastin and
collagen and helps maintain the whole body. When the body is stressed, it can cause
fascial dysfunction, results in a buildup of tissues rather than elasticity.
Chapter 2: Exercise Ball Benefits
Have you seen those big huge PVC balls which are in the gym? Do you know what they
are? They are also known as fitness ball, Swiss ball, stability ball, etc. This ball can be a
part of your daily workout, and it can prove to be very effective for you.
Another way to use the exercise ball to increase your energy is to stability which is
required to sit on it. You will need to use your muscles to balance your stability. You can
also tone your muscles and help to boost all your strength. It is very crucial today when
you are doing exercise along with workouts which will do more benefit to you.
2. Another big advantage of using an exercise ball for workouts is a balance. There is
a big reason why chairs have flat seats. The surface level when sitting on a mat
creates a lot of support required for out body. But that does not mean that it gives
you maximum workout benefit. When you sit, or you are lying on the exercise
ball, the ball creates a shape which gives your body instability. To reach
equilibrium, you will have to adjust your pose on the ball. It can be quite taxing.
This act of balancing helps to boost your workout quality and gives better results.
If you are having any back problems, then using the exercise ball should be considered.
People who complain of back problems often say that the usual exercises put a lot of
stress on the backs. But while using an exercise ball, the ball gives more cushions to the
back which any mat will give. This proves that the exercise ball makes you feel more
comfortable and is safer than any other workouts. Exercise is no fun if you are injuring
yourself. But it is important to use the exercise ball properly while exercising on it.
3. When you are going exercise in the gym, you can only do one or two types of
exercise with one exercise equipment. But that is not the case with an exercise
ball. You can do many different types of exercise on an exercise ball which ranges
from easy to difficult. It may require you to lie, sit or use any other position on
the ball. This gives you many benefits. You can also avoid the cost of having to
buy expensive equipment for the gym. Multiple muscles can work at the same
time, and your workouts will be exciting and varied.
If you want to improve your workouts, try using an exercise ball. It may look like a toy
which is ineffective, but this lightweight single ball can help to give you many benefits in
your workouts.
Chapter 3: The Right Exercise Ball
When it comes to fitness balls, they come in various sizes. Certainly, if you want to
ensure that you are doing your fitness ball exercises correctly, then you must make sure
that you purchase the right size ball for you. So it is essential that you try several
different sizes about before making your purchase.
When it comes to knowing which size fitness ball is right for you, it is very simple. Just
sit on the ball placing your feet firmly on the floor, and as long as your knees are not
above the height of your hips then this is the ideal size ball for you. If you purchase one
that is too small then actually toning and strengthening your muscles using various
fitness ball exercises won't be achieved.
When it comes to using your ball you need to consider what parts of your body need the
most work done on them. Then you need to specifically use exercises that will target
those areas that need strengthening and toning.
For example, if you are looking to improve your abdomen then opting for twists and
crunches will be your best option. Whereas for those who are looking to improve their
legs or arms, then using the ball to carry out push-ups on will help them.
The main aim of using a fitness ball when exercising is that it makes the exercise you are
doing much more difficult. Not only are you concentrating on making sure that you
complete the exercise properly that you remain your stability on the ball as you do so. It
is a good idea initially to get comfortable with this piece of equipment, and the easiest
ways of achieving this are for the first week or so just sit on the ball for around 30
minutes each day gently bouncing on it.
1. Knee Kick
Targets: Core
Sit on the edge of the exercise ball, knees bent, and feet planted flat on the
ground.
Extend your arms over your head, palms facing each other. Crunch up to sit,
bringing the arms over the head and in front of the body parallel to the ground.
Return to the starting position to finish one rep.
To make this exercise more difficult, hold a medicine ball with your hands to add
extra weight. A little more “oomph” goes a long way!
8. Forearm Climb
Targets: Core
Place your forearms on top of the exercise ball, bringing your body into a plank
position.
The further away your feet are from the ball, the more difficult this exercise
becomes.
Come onto the balls of the feet.
Lift the left foot off the ground, touching the knee against the ball and lifting the
heel towards your butt.
Moving as quickly as possible, return the left foot to the starting position and
repeat the same movement with the right. This is one rep.
If possible, don’t rest between reps.
You can also perform this exercise for time instead of reps, trying to move
continuously for 20, 40, or 60 seconds.
9. Circus Lift
11.Flying Dog
Targets: Core
Come into a pushup position with your feet on top of the exercise ball.
Place your hands on the ground directly under your shoulders. Lift your hips up
slightly as you bend your knees and roll the ball with your feet towards your
hands.
Return to the starting position to finish one rep.
Try to stay in the pushup position for the entire set without taking a break.
Targets: Core
Come into a pushup position with your feet on top of the exercise ball.
Place your hands on the ground directly under your shoulders. Lift your hips up
and roll the ball with your feet towards your hands.
Keep the legs straight as you do so.
Work to get the body to a 90-degree angle at the peak of the pike position.
Return to the starting position to finish one rep.
Try to stay in the pushup position for the entire set without taking a break.
Targets: Core
Lie down flat on your back.
Place the exercise ball under your knees, squeezing the ball between your calves
and your thighs.
Extend the arms straight along your sides; palms face down. Keeping your
shoulders and head on the ground, squeeze the ball and lift your hips and lower
back off the ground as high as possible.
Repeat to the starting position to finish one rep.
Targets: Core
Lie down on the exercise ball face up.
Plant your feet flat on the ground directly under your knees. Extend your arms
over your head straight in the air with elbows slightly bent.
Make two fists. Move your hands imagining that you are climbing a rope; slowly
bring yourself up to a sitting position.
Repeat the same movement to lower your body back down to the starting
position. This is one rep.
Remember to move slowly to get the full benefits of the core.
Targets: Core
Lie on your back with your feet on top of the ball and legs straight.
Extend your arms over your head along the ground, palms facing up.
Hinging from the hips, sit up slowly and reach for your toes.
Then, moving one vertebra at a time, articulate the spine back down to the
ground to return to the starting position. This is one rep.
Whether you are training in a gym or at home, you can perform an exercise ball workout
including a vast array of exercises for all body parts. For many exercises, you do not
require any weights. Using a fitness ball has a considerable number of benefits. A major
advantage is associated with the reduced risk of injuries on the back spine. Due to its
texture and softness, an exercise ball provides great support to the back when
performing any exercise or when stretching out. It also helps to improve your overall
posture and to increase the flexibility of your spine.
Apart from benefits on the back, exercise balls are also proven to improve the body's
core stability and balance. Wonder what does core stability mean? Core stability refers
to the abdominal and back muscles which help you balance your body when moving.
Strengthening these muscles will thus improve posture, balance, and stability.
As already mentioned, there are various exercises which may be included in an exercise
ball workout, however, from my personal experience, the ones listed underneath are
among the most effective for a holistic workout which may be performed at home
without the need of any weights.
Following a normal workout session, you may just opt to perform the once focusing on
abdominal muscles.
Sometimes one may come across people who have the wrong impression that a fitness
ball is more targeted to the female gender and mostly used for aerobic exercises. This is
until you visit a gym and see some advanced bodybuilders making use of one.
Personally, I highly recommend the use of fitness balls, especially for abdominal
training.
Thanks for downloading this book. It's my firm belief that it has provided
you with all the answers to your questions.