Benefits of Using a Stability Ball in Your Training

A really great piece of equipment that you shouldn't miss out on is the stability ball. There are always new pieces of equipment being released onto the market and some work better than others but one that is guaranteed to work is the stability ball.

What Is a Stability Ball?

A stability ball is a large inflated ball which is used for exercising. Although it is inflated it is very strong and has a capability to hold 600-700lbs of weight. Generally, no matter what shape, or size you are, the stability ball is able to adapt to the structure of your body as well as being comfortable and supportive.

A stability ball is also sometimes known as the Swiss ball or the physioball.

A stability ball is a particularly good piece of equipment for beginners to use because it is remarkable easy to use and you don't feel like you are working out. You are playing with a ball! You can of course increase the training with it so it can be used for more advanced training and techniques.

The stability ball can be used by anyone and it can be used at the novice stage of fitness. It is lightweight and portable - deflated you can even take it on holiday with you. It can also be purchased relatively inexpensively, especially compared to other exercise equipment and can last a long time.

Who invested the Stability Ball?

Stability balls were first used in forms of rehabilitation, as early as the 1900's. Physiotherapists were using them for patients with neurological problems.

An Italian toy maker, Aquilino Cosani made the ball in the 1960's and called it the 'Gymnastik'. Twenty years later, he became the major supplier of stability balls to rehabilitation centres.

In the 1990's the use of the ball moved into the sports arena and now many professional athletes use the ball to condition the body. The stability ball then became popular in gyms and the fitness community generally.

Fitness professionals as well as medical specialists recommend the use of the stability ball in training programs and daily exercise routines. It has been seen to reduce physical injuries and also helps you from getting one!

What Are the Benefits of Using a Stability Ball?

The stability ball increases the strength, balance and flexibility of your body as well as improving the strength of your abs and lower back.

1. Proper Alignment

The stability ball helps you to maintain the proper balance using different parts of your body. Natural reflexes in your body will be exercised by various routines and using a stability ball helps you to use many muscles which are not used in your day to day routines. Balance is key in using the stability ball which naturally then improves the alignment of your body and its parts.

2. Great Abs

The stability ball can be used to pin point the abdominal areas and promote great abs. The muscles are moved as you work at your balance therefore reaching your abs and back muscles. You will love using the stability ball, especially when you look at your resulting flat stomach!

3. Muscle Strength and Endurance

The stability ball can be used to help with reducing back pain and also from preventing a back injury in the first instance. Strength and endurance are greatly improved by using all the major muscle groups in your exercise. This then gives the body great flexibility as well as resistance and stability.

4. Core Stability

The stability ball is the only piece of equipment which can guarantee that no matter how deep your muscles are, they are still exercised. The major muscles help support and stabilize all of your body's movements.

5. Stretching

As mentioned previously stretching is an extremely important part of exercising. The stability ball is great at helping you stretch out your muscles in preparation or after exercise. You can move in and out of different stretching exercises with ease.

6. Losing Weight

While you are using the stability ball and enjoying it, you will almost certainly start losing weight. As your body loses unwanted weight, our body is firming and toning up.

Your health is an extremely important asset - do your exercises regularly and eat healthily.